Researchers at the Southern Cross University believe the genetic information found in Australian native rice varieties could lead to sweeping changes in the domestic industry in Queensland and New South Wales.
Speaking at the conference held last week, Grain Foods’ professor Robert Henry, said that given the increasing pressure on world food stocks, the wild rice found in Australia is better adapted to the local environment and could see production relocated to coastal areas.
“We’re certainly likely to see new industries in this area and along the east coast,” he said.
“I think rice production inland from the Murray-Darling system has been quite difficult because of what’s happened to the water supply in that system. Whereas we do have high rainfall areas along the coast of NSW and Queensland, and potentially in the Northern Territory, in areas that are suited to rice production.”
For further information contact:
Professor Robert Henry
Grain Foods CRC
info@grainfoodscrc.com.au
www.grainfoodscrc.com.au