MEDIA RELEASE
3 December2014

Australian horticulture sector to benefit from R&D agreements with India

Three new research agreements that will benefit Australian horticulture were signed today between Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd (HIA Ltd) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid-Tropics (ICRISAT), Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd (JISL) India andBioseed Research India (BRI).

The agreementseach form a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)that will allow researchers from ICRISAT, JISL, BRI and Australian agencies to undertake joint research and development (R&D) in horticulture for the first time through HIA Ltd.

Dr William Dar, ICRISAT Director General said of the agreement,“We are excited that through this collaboration with HIA Ltd, ICRISAT and Australia will be doing not only high-quality but also high-impact research that is expected to reach and benefit millions of farmers and consumers globally.”

Acknowledging the support from ICRISAT, HIA Ltd Director David Cliffeemphasized the importance of the new partnership. “HIA Ltd is glad to start this collaboration with ICRISAT in the area of modern genome science including sequencing, genotyping and functional genomics, that will help advance the horticulture industry in Australia.”

JISL and HIA Ltd have committed to exploring research in a number of horticultural crops, with an initial focus on mango crops.This is the first formal relationship between two countries to address key research issues in mango. HIA Ltd Chair Selwyn Snell said “Working collaboratively will benefit both countries as we identify research gaps and potential opportunities.”

BRI has a cutting edge R&D program servicing vegetable and broad acre crops with hybrid seeds. Vegetables are an important crop for both countries and the MoU will allow HIA Ltd to focus on key research areas in vegetable crops that will advance the industry further.

David Moore, General Manager of Research and Development at HIA Ltd and several researchers from the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Agriculture & Technology are visiting India as part of the HIA Ltd-led delegation.

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Further information
David Moore, General Manager Research & Development

Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited

Tel. +61 2 8295 2330

BACKGROUND
Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited (HIA Ltd)is a not-for-profit, grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC) for Australia’s $9.5 billion horticulture industry. It works in partnership with Australia’s horticulture industries to invest in research, development and marketing programs that provide benefit to industry and the wider community.HIA Ltd invests more than $100 million in research, development and marketing programs annually.

Level 8, 1 Chifley Square NSW 2000 Australia Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd

Telephone 61 2 8295 2300 Facsimile 61 2 8295 2399 ACN 602 100 149