SA to host global wheat community

The University of Adelaide in partnership with the Adelaide Convention Bureau and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) has been part of a successful bid to host the International Wheat Congress 2024 in Adelaide.

The 2024 International Wheat Congress will attract some 1000 delegates to South Australia over its five-day program and provide an economic benefit in excess of $5 million.

Wheat is one of Australia’s largest exports because of its consistent high quality. Some 70 per cent of the average 22 million tonnes produced annually is traded globally. Within South Australia, the $2.4 billion wheat industry represents 12 per cent of national exports and is an integral part of the world-renowned grains research programs of the University of Adelaide.

Wheat breeding efforts undertaken at the University’s Waite Institute have underpinned the national sector for many decades, with South Australian-based wheat varieties consistently representing a major share of the annual wheat harvest.

The Congress will be co-chaired by Professor Jason Able from University of Adelaide’s School of Agriculture, Food and Wine and Affiliate Associate Professor Tim Sutton from SARDI and the University of Adelaide.

Professor Jason Able said: “We have much to be proud of in Australia. Our wheat industry today has three world-class breeding companies developing the new varieties for growers to adopt and profit from and a substantial pool of scientific talent underpinning the latest pre-breeding research, which is reinforced by excellent industry relationships both nationally and internationally.

“Inviting the global wheat community to join us in Australia in 2024 will facilitate sharing new knowledge, experiences and innovation that will push this vital sector of the Agrifood industry further ahead – not just nationally but globally.

“The planned program will cut across the entire wheat industry and will include a unique day specially aimed at growers and other industry stakeholders.”

With Agtech one of the South Australian Government’s key economic growth pillars, the win is important as an economic driver for the State, and also as global recognition of the State’s commitment to, and success in, the Agtech sector.

The successful bid for the event was supported by the South Australian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.

Please contact Professor Able for more information about the congress.