Australian Wheat Industry Introduces a New Milling Wheat Class

Wheat Quality Australia (WQA) announced the imminent introduction of a new million wheat class - Australian White Wheat (AWW) - as it looks to broaden its horizons beyond the classification system established for the country’s former single desk export system.

In the long-term, this new classification will be targeted toward Asian markets to meet demand for instant noodles and general purpose flour.

The new classification will not serve to replace any existing wheat groups, but will provide a flexible wheat line to breeders and growers that is suitable for human consumption. It will maintain the core characteristics of Australian hard wheat, but does not call for the high protein levels of hard wheat varieties. For breeders, this new classification will provide an opportunity to develop a wide range of new varieties that meet specific needs for markets that are less demanding and require less quality testing, while creating value through increased yield potential, greater environmental adaptation, and reduced risk.

For farmers, this means they will be able to plant with high yields in mind, instead of high protein, giving Australia a boost in competing with lower-cost wheat from the Black Sea region and Argentina.

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