The International Year of the Pulses kicked off in Melbourne last night at a gala dinner celebrating a diverse national industry that produces chickpeas, field peas, lentils, beans and lupins for the world.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green joined over 250 industry representatives, farmers and community leaders to pay tribute to Australia’s role as a world-class supplier of pulses.
The United Nations officially declared 2016 as International Year of the Pulses to enhance the global profile of the industry and recognise the significant role these crops play in sustainably feeding the world.
Victoria has a rapidly growing pulse industry with exports of 291,000 tonnes in 2014-15 worth $213 million.
The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources plays a leading role in national pulses research, development and extension, working with industry and research partners to take advantage of those opportunities.
Currently, 85 per cent of total national lentil and field pea crops sown in Australia are varieties developed by the department.
Victoria’s research, development and extension has also contributed to doubling the State’s area of pulse production in 2015 compared to 2014.
The Andrews Labor Government is working towards improved pulse varieties and farming techniques, bringing increases in both yield and quality, in cutting edge work from the Grains Innovation Park, recently opened in Horsham.
Thanks to these advances, the Victorian pulse industry is well-placed to take advantage of global market opportunities.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
“Victoria’s farmers lead the way when it comes to food and fibre exports, generating almost $12 billion in 2015. We are helping our pulse growers be the most innovative and productive in the nation.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is playing an important role in improving varieties and farming techniques, and we are proud to stand with the industry as they take it to the next level.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020