Summary

Rice Breeding Australia (RBA) was established by its Members (Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA), SunRice and AgriFutures Australia) to be a primary driver in transforming the Australian rice industry to one that is substantially more water use efficient. This transformation is critical for the long-term viability of rice production and processing in Australia.

There are three complementary major tactics required to be adopted by RBA to deliver the required transformational change. The three complementary tactics are:

Significantly reduce the time to develop new varieties,
Substantially increase selection pressure for critical traits, and
Substantially increase the size of breeding populations.

The AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2021-26 Priority 1 objective is to Accelerate genetic improvements in rice varieties through investment in a best practice breeding program. Achieving the ambitious rice industry water productivity targets and delivering on the AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2021-26 will require significant investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including glasshouse and enclosed field nursery (birdcage) facilities.
This project will provide funding for the infrastructure required for the acquisition of land and construction of infrastructure for use in connection with rice breeding activities in New South Wales. The project will be carried out by Rice Breeding Australia Limited and will involve building fit-for-purpose glasshouse and bird-proof enclosure facilities critical to driving the transformation of the Australian rice industry through rice breeding.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Rice Breeding Australia Limited