AWB Limited today confirmed that all existing Noodle wheat varieties would be accepted into the ASWN Pool in 2001/2002.

AWB Limited Western Region Manager Peter Hobbs said the Noodle wheat markets in Japan and South Korea would consume close to 1 million tones of Noodle wheat next year, and it was important that WA growers had the best agronomic varieties to meet the large demand.

“Although this year we had an increase in the amount of Noodle wheat planted, the poor growing season has seen a drop in Noodle wheat receivals,” Mr Hobbs said.

“To ensure AWB maintains the consistency that our customers demand, especially the noodle blend ratio and protein level, AWB will need to utilise its strategic carryover stocks to supplement this year’s production."

Currently there are five wheat varieties received into the Noodle pool, including Gamenya, Eradu, Cadoux, Arrino and Calingiri. Over the past two seasons there has been a swing towards the new varieties - Arrino and Calingiri - due to their superior agronomic qualities.

“Arrino is rated as one of the best Noodle varieties by our customers in terms of milling and eating quality, and although Calingiri is the least preferred variety its superior agronomic performance makes it very popular with growers. We need to strike a balance between agronomic performance and customer preferences,” Mr Hobbs said.

Mr Hobbs stressed that the industry needed to continually develop new Noodle varieties to ensure Australia improved its product quality and consistency whilst making Noodle wheat production a financially rewarding option for wheat growers.

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For more information please contact:

Paul Ryan, AWB Limited Public Affairs 03 9209 2098, or 0408 347 282