AWB Limited - 2003 Annual Report

grain technology
AWB Grain Technology business invests in opportunities that add
value for growers and customers through superior product
offerings. Value for AWB is generated and captured through
strategic participation in, or ownership of, technology such as novel
grain or end product traits.
The Grain Technology business is involved in alliances to develop
these plant traits and new cereal varieties with the aim of
establishing appropriate proprietary positions.
Agrifood Technology
Agrifood Technology Pty Ltd (Agrifood Technology) is a wholly
owned subsidiary of AWB, and provides crucial analytical services to
assist AWB’s marketing program. Agrifood Technology generates a
commercial return by providing world class analytical and laboratory
services to external clients in the food and feed related industries.
During 2002/03, Agrifood Technology launched an open plot
quarantine trial facility at its Werribee base, one of only two in
Australia. This provides quarantine approved, seed increasing
facilities to responsibly manage the introduction of international
germplasm into Australia’s crop gene pool. Another major
achievement this year was the implementation of a new laboratory
information system, which facilitates faster and more accurate
service to all customers.
AWB Seeds
AWB Seeds has continued its transition to its Seednet business
structure – which involves partnerships with 22 regionally based
seed merchants.
This will offer improved systems for seed production in Australia,
delivering locally produced seed under strict quality assurance
guidelines. The benefits to seed users, Seednet partners and AWB
will flow through enhanced inventory management, regionally
tailored grain varieties and more flexible systems to respond to
market demand.
AWB Seeds was successful in gaining five new licences for grain
varieties this year, expanding its product suite to 27 varieties, with
an aim to add more broadacre crop varieties in the coming season.
Innovation and Research
The Innovation and Research group remains focussed on improving
efficiencies for farmers, through improved crop yields or disease
resistances, as well as specific end use desired qualities. In the
future, these will become proprietary positions for AWB.
In January 2003, AWB, CSIRO and the Grains Research and
Development Corporation signed an agreement to renew
Graingene – the Australian national crop genetics research
consortium. Under the new agreement, global crop protection
company, Syngenta, joined the consortium, bringing to it their global
presence and technology expertise. Known as Graingene II, the
new agreement has earmarked four major research platforms to
improve the value of the national wheat crop – crop stress
resistance, pest and disease resistance, grain quality, and wheat
genomics technologies.
Established in 1999, Graingene has already developed a strong
strategic position in new technologies, particularly in value added
traits in wheat. A direct outcome of this research has been this
year’s commercial release of the new transpiration efficient wheat
varieties, Drysdale and Rees.
LongReach Plant Breeders, the Australian national wheat breeding
joint venture formed by AWB and Syngenta in 2002, will have the
first option to develop and commercialise the technology developed
through Graingene II for Australian cereal crops. Syngenta will have
the first option to develop and commercialise technology in other
crops and other countries, which will generate value from the
intellectual property for all Graingene II partners.
Outlook
AWB’s Grain Technology strategies remain an important contributor
to the company’s value chain. AWB expects positive contributions
from both the Agrifood Technology and AWB Seeds businesses in
2003/04. Building on its Seednet model, AWB Seeds aims to
continue growing its suite of broadacre grain varieties during 2004.
With the signing of Graingene II, AWB will further leverage its
research involvement and capitalise on propriety opportunities.
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INNOVATION Innovation FOCUS TO focus DELIVER to deliver NEW new OPPORTUNITIES
opportunities.
2000 2001 2002 2003
NPBT – Grain Technology
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