New crop and soil lab opened at Wagga Agriculture Institute:
State government announces $2.5 million for additional upgrades

The State Government today announced it would continue its program of upgrades to the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, with another $2.5 million going toward three major projects at the research centre.

The announcement was made during the opening of the newly completed $1.6 million Crop Health and Soil Biology laboratory.

The funds are from the State Government’s Towards 2020 reinvestment program, which is designed to help improve the State’s overall science and research capacity.

The Crop Health and Soil Biology laboratory will provide a first-rate facility where scientists can more quickly and efficiently diagnose crop diseases and unlock insights that help farmers better manage nitrogen and phosphorous in their cropping systems.

The laboratory has been totally refurbished to improve efficiency and now features a ‘sequential’ layout for easier processing of samples, constant-temperature rooms, and compartmentalised air conditioning to help maintain purity of samples within the facility.

Crop diseases, pests and nutrient deficiencies can cost industries hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and control programs. They also threaten our valuable export markets.

The new lab will be home to the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute’s plant pathology, entomology and soil microbiology teams.

An additional $2.5 million in upgrades is planned at the Institute over the next two years. This includes:

Feeds Evaluation Laboratory

• $900,000 to upgrade existing feed testing facilities at the Wagga Wagga Agriculture Institute.
• The project will provide a more modern, efficient facility to support the work of Australia ’s leading expert in silage production, NSW DPI cattle nutritionist Dr Alan Kaiser.
• Dr Kaiser is recognised throughout the industry for his work in developing the test methods and standards recognised by the Australian Fodder Industry Association. He has also developed an international reputation for productive and practical research programs, including the successful Topfodder program.
• The upgrades will create a world-class feed testing facility and will include a range of new equipment and proven technologies. It also involves moving the current upstairs laboratories down to the ground level to comply with modern laboratory standards.
• The end result will be a truly integrated facility combining research with service functions – a first for the Australian industry.
• Preliminary planning for the upgrade is currently underway, with completion likely in 2007.

Olive Oil Analytical Laboratory

• Production of olive oil in NSW is expected to increase dramatically over the next several years as more olive trees reach fruit-bearing age. With higher production levels come more opportunities for growers, processors and manufacturers to export their high quality oils to overseas markets.
• The Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute provides the industry with a one-stop shop for evaluation of olive oil by offering both chemical and sensory testing. A $1 million upgrade of the oil chemical testing facilities will boost the capacity to evaluate olive oil for growers, processors and exporters.
• The project will involve the creation of two new oil extraction units to help increase the number and turn-around time for testing olive oil samples.
• New equipment will also be installed to help minimise risks for staff carrying out testing that requires the use of hazardous solvents. New evaporation and concentration equipment will also allow for faster testing of sterols, which is an important component of olive oil.
• The upgrade will start in 2006 and be completed early 2007.

Glasshouse Replacement

• This $600,000 project will involve the replacement of 5 small, outdated glasshouses with 2 state-of-the-art polycarbonate clad glasshouses. These will support the Institute’s plant breeding effort by providing better temperature and climate control, and enhancing disease screening programs.
• Tenders for the construction of the 2 new glasshouses have been called for and are expected to close by the end of the year, with construction due to start in early 2006.