Below is a summary of some of the topics discussed during the Pulse Council's latest meetings
November 2024
The Pulse Council has formed a dedicated working group that is tasked with the process of developing strategic priorities that align with the overarching pillars of Grains Australia.
The Council is in support of lupins as the next pulse crop for which Grains Australia will develop a varietal classification framework. The purpose of market-based classification is to add value to the Australian lupin industry through enabling differentiation based on the inherent quality characteristics desired by customers.
Discussions resulted in the Pulse Council endorsing a sustainability project proposal from Grains Australia’s Grains Market Access Council, aimed at gathering existing evidence to support the sustainability credentials of Australian grains.
June 2024
The Pulse Council reviewed ‘future opportunities’ and ‘challenges faced’ for various pulse crops in the ‘Raising the Pulse’ report that was produced by Pulse Australia (with Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) support) in 2019. Council members noted that many of the opportunities and challenges were unchanged and that they were common across many of the pulse crops. Members also acknowledged that it is important to collaborate and access research and data from a range of organisations involved with pulses. The Pulse Council will continue its strategic priority identification process.
Grains Australia is seeking advice from Council members on the skills requirements for members of a new Pulse Classification Technical Committee. This committee will serve a similar function to Grains Australia’s existing technical committees for oats, barley and wheat. The Pulse Council acknowledged the establishment of the new committee is new ground for the industry as it will cover multiple pulse crops and therefore may evolve over time.
The Pulse Council noted that a Faba Bean Variety Classification Framework is to be developed. Pulse Council members will provide advice on key industry stakeholders to be included in the consultation process and who will help develop the framework.
The Pulse Council welcomed recent improved access to Indian markets for crops such as chickpeas and lentils and potential opportunities to build on these positive developments.
Churchill Fellow Penny Roberts presented to the Pulse Council findings from her studies relating to Australia’s emerging pulse protein sector.
Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council CEO Kathy La Macchia provided an update on consumer and market trends for pulses, as well as investment and innovation, and noted the potential for significant research and development in this area.
The Pulse Council will seek to engage with Australian food manufacturers to identify and uplift pulse opportunities in food innovation.
At Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre’s Sydney facilities, Pulse Council members viewed firsthand significant new equipment to support the dry fractionation of pulse protein. The equipment was purchased through a GRDC infrastructure grant and will expand the scope for Australian pulses in three areas: import replacement, protein ingredient export and expanded domestic plant protein consumption.
March 2024
The Pulse Council will work on developing a strategic planning process to identify pulse priorities for Grains Australia investment.
The Pulse Council supports Grains Australia’s continuing work to develop national variety classification frameworks for pulses.
The Pulse Council discussed key international markets of importance for Australian Pulses.
November 2023
The Pulse Council discussed relevant export markets for pulses, noting the importance of maintaining constructive relationships with Australia’s key partners.
Work is progressing well in formulating a new national varietal classification framework for pulses. The Pulse Council reviewed, discussed, and approved the proposed Lentil Varietal Classification framework. Next steps will include key stakeholder engagement and the identification/establishment of processes for implementation. The Pulse Council regards classification as critical, as it will assist with framing breeding programs and outcomes within the context of market demand and future trends.
The Pulse Council is to keep open lines of communication with relevant pulse bodies/organisations. It was noted by the Pulse Council that there is both a need and opportunity to engage and communicate with state pulse groups and organisations such as the Australian Mungbean Association. This will ensure that key decisions made on behalf of the industry are well informed.