Qld is a major producer of grain for domestic and export markets, and many of its farms like this one north of Goondiwindi have considerable on-farm storage. Photo: LAWD/Nutrien Harcourts
THE Queensland Government has invested in the Post Harvest Grains Research Project to increase insights into how best to keep insects out of stored grain.
Under a joint $12-million investment with the Grains Research and Development Corporation, research is already under way at the Qld Department of Primary Industries’ Post-Harvest Commodity Protection Laboratories and the Hermitage research facility near Warwick. .
The project aims to address issues that impact grain producers after crops have been harvested by:
- Developing technology to more quickly detect insects and uncover resistance to insecticides;
- Monitoring, recording and mapping insect incursions;
- Improving the way fumigation is used to reduce grain growers’ reliance on contact insecticides and reduce resistance developing in five major stored grain pests: lesser grain borer; red flour beetle; rice weevil; rusty grain beetle, and saw-toothed grain beetle;
- Uncovering better ways to remove harmful gases from grain-storage facilities to help industry comply with new SafeWork Australia regulations due to come into effect this year.
The research will help Qld farmers produce grain free of insect and chemical residue, which is expected to enhance the industry’s access to export markets.
The work is expected to protect growers from losses up to $100 million annually while supporting continued access to phosphine, the industry’s most affordable and widely used grain fumigant.
The spend is part of the spend by Premier David Crisafulli’s Government in its Primary Industries Prosper 2050 plan.
Qld Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the investment was delivering on the government’s target to increase the value of Qld’s primary production to $30 billion by 2030.
“This initiative is about protecting our grain growers from costly post-harvest losses while ensuring Queensland’s grains export market remains globally competitive,” Mr Perrett said.
“These targeted projects will deliver practical solutions to safeguard growers’ profitability and strengthen the long-term sustainability of our industry.”
GRDC managing director Nigel Hart said the projects would deliver practical benefits for Qld growers.
“These projects will provide our producers with the tools, technologies and information they need to meet evolving safety standards and maintain access to critical markets,” Mr Hart said.
“By focusing on innovation and collaboration, we’re delivering real-world solutions that will help growers reduce grain storage losses, boost productivity and safeguard profitability.”
Source: Queensland Government
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