Grains

Arista, AGT partner on Australia’s first high-fibre wheat varieties

Grain Central, July 21, 2020

AGT head of science and business development Tristan Coram

AUSTRALIAN Grain Technologies (AGT) and Arista have entered into a long-term exclusive breeding partnership which will produce high-fibre wheat varieties for the Australian market.

The high-fibre wheat offers increased health benefits to humans with 10 times more fibre than standard wheat, and was developed over 20 years by Arista Cereal Technologies, a joint venture between CSIRO and French farmer-led cooperative Limagrain.

Arista high-fibre wheat has been developed using conventional breeding methods, and AGT is applying its breeding capabilities to produce locally adapted Australian varieties.

Testing and development of the wheat has been conducted in Australia for a number of years.

AGT’s head of science and business development Tristan Coram said the company was excited to be partnering with Arista to develop wheat varieties specifically targeted at human health.

“This technology was discovered in Australia and we are very eager to translate this into value for Australian growers, grain processors and consumers, he said.

Research to date illustrates the capacity for developing healthier staple food products with the potential to remediate chronic disease risks.

The new high-fibre wheat can be used in many applications, with the first consumer products including pizza crusts, tortillas and noodles being recently launched in the United States.

The elevated fibre content is due to a high level of Resistant Starch, a fermentable fibre that is resistant to digestion in the small intestine.

This fibre moves on to the large intestine and bowel, where it contributes to gut health.

Products containing this wheat may obtain official high fibre claims as well as claims regarding beneficial impacts on glycemic response.

Arista CEO Eric Vaschalde said decades of research had gone into the development of high-fibre wheat.

“We are thrilled to partner with AGT to breed and launch the first high-fibre wheat varieties in Australia,” he said.

“With the strength of AGT and their know-how, this innovation will soon be grown in different areas and will contribute to the nation’s health on a daily basis.”

The first high-fibre wheat varieties are currently being grown under contract, and the first sales of grain for food applications will start in 2021.

Source: AGT

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