A newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) supports positive collaboration between the Australian and Chinese grains industries, fostering new areas of research that benefit both countries.
Representatives from Grains Australia, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and the Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration (Academy of NAFRA) signed the MoU this week in Beijing.
One of the aims of the MoU, which builds on existing positive relationships between the organisations, is to encourage the exchange of grain quality, safety and processing knowledge and expertise.
It will also examine cooperative research opportunities to identify blending options for Chinese and Australian wheat and/or flour, and new methods for wheat quality evaluation and grain processing.
The MoU will explore collaborative nutritional, healthy and functional food market opportunities, such as those related to whole grain food products.
Grains Australia and AEGIC work together in an integrated way to drive better outcomes for Australian grain growers, with AEGIC being a delivery partner for Grains Australia’s market insights and education services.
AEGIC will deliver some of the activities outlined in the MOU, on behalf of Grains Australia, which is itself an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
The primary focus of the not-for-profit Academy of NAFRA is on ensuring national food security, promoting the development of the food circulation industry and addressing scientific and technological issues related to food and strategic reserves.
Grains Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Simonaitis said the agreement represented a shared commitment to cooperate on mutually beneficial areas of research.
“The agreement reaffirms Grains Australia’s dedication to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships and opportunities with China, which is a significant and valued grain trading partner,” Mr Simonaitis said.
AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper said the agreement consolidated a long-standing, valued relationship between AEGIC and the Academy of NAFRA and its scientists.
“The MoU builds on already-established trust and mutual respect between the organisations and has highlighted valuable new areas on which we intend to work together,” Ms Draper said.
Academy of NAFRA President Tan Bengang said: “The agreement will enhance the personnel knowledge exchange and strengthen the cooperation on food science and technology among the three parties”.
ENDS
Caption: About to sign the MoU are, from front left, Grains Australia CEO Richard Simonaitis, Academy of NAFRA President Tan Bengang and AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper.
Photo: Academy of NAFRA.
Media enquiries: Natalie Lee, Grains Australia media@grainsaustralia.com.au
About Grains Australia, AEGIC and the Academy of NAFRA
Grains Australia delivers value to the Australian grains industry through the provision of industry services and functions including management of trade market access, classification, market insights and market education that improves the industry’s competitiveness and profitability.
Grains Australia is an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). GRDC leads investment in grains research, development and extension (RD&E) in Australia to create enduring profitability for grain growers.
A partnership between the Australian Government and grain growers, GRDC’s primary objective is to drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers and benefit the industry and the wider community.
Grains Australia and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) are organisations that work together in an integrated way to drive better outcomes for Australian grain growers. AEGIC is a delivery partner for Grains Australia’s market insights and education services.
AEGIC is an initiative of Grains Australia and the Western Australian State Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The primary focus of the not-for-profit Academy of NAFRA is on ensuring national food security, promoting the development of the food circulation industry and addressing scientific and technological issues related to food and strategic reserves.