A world-leading rice research facility will be operational next year, with work started on a site in central New South Wales.
Rice Breeding Australia (RBA) CEO Dr Georgina Pengilley said the facility, to be built on a 13-hectare greenfield site in Leeton, would be critical to achieving the industry’s water productivity goal.
“Works have commenced this week on a new state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar research and development facility (which) will be operational by mid-2026,” Dr Pengilley said.
“We are establishing what will be a world-leading rice research and development facility, needed to drive genetic improvement in Australian rice to sustain the future of the industry.”
She said the initiative would be owned by growers, via rice levies through AgriFutures Australia.
“It is a significant investment that is being delivered in a way that ensures it is secured for the Australian rice industry going forward.”
Dr Pengilley said RBA, which was formed in 2022 by AgriFutures Australia, SunRice Group and Ricegrowers Association of Australia, would play a critical role in delivering the water productivity gains required to secure the longer-term viability of the rice industry in Australia.
She said when complete, the first phase of the development would comprise a large glasshouse complex and a three-hectare bird-proof enclosed plant breeding nursery.
“Subject to the ability to access further funding, a second phase will consolidate RBA’s seed processing, storage and office facilities at the new site, optimising operational efficiency and the best possible use of rice grower levies.
“The new facility will substantially increase the scale of our rice breeding program, as well as the rapid adoption of new technologies to greatly enhance the rates of genetic gain we can achieve.”
Dr Pengilley said the goal was to drive the scientific development of new rice varieties, with access to the latest tools, technologies and production techniques.
