Farrer Medallist Reports on Durum Wheat Industry

The Australian durum industry is facing a number of challenges, a senior research scientist with NSW Agriculture claims.

Dr Ray Hare, Senior Research Scientist at the Tamworth Centre for Crop Improvement, made the statement when delivering the 2001 Farrer Memorial Oration "Durum Wheat in Australia - Past, Present and Future" in Tamworth today.

“Farmers across Australia are keen to consider durum in their enterprise," Dr Hare said.

“Unfortunately, current durum varieties are not adapted to all wheat growing soils and locations.

"Problems such as salt tolerance, water use efficiency and disease resistance, are issues that must be addressed to improve Australian durums to suit a wider range of environments."

Speaking about the future of the durum industry, Dr Hare stressed that the development of the scientific and support staff involved in the breeding program must be maintained at all cost.

"Attracting and holding dedicated staff who are prepared to stay in plant breeding during their whole working life is difficult," Dr Hare added.

The 2001 Farrer Memorial Medal was presented today by Dr Kevin Sheridan AO, Chairman of the Farrer Memorial Trust, at a ceremony to coincide with the Durum Industry Council meeting in Tamworth.

"Dr Hare is recognised not only as the principal authority on durum wheat in Australia, but also as a world authority on durum wheat improvement, production and processing," Dr Sheridan said.

Media Contact: Phil Anquetil 0412 259 617