Project to drive export growth of pulses from the Ord
Supported by $441,000 in Liberal National Government funding
Made possible by the Royalties for Regions program
A $441,000 project to grow pulse production and introduce processing into the Ord region has received funding support from the Liberal National Government.
Agriculture and Food Minister Dean Nalder said the Ord Pulses Project aimed to develop quality assured and ready-to-eat pulse products for Australian and international hospitality and retail markets.
"This partnership between the Ord River District Co-operative Limited (ORDCO) and Curtin University aims to increase the overall value of pulses grown, processed and distributed from the Ord Valley," he said.
"There is growing international demand for legume products as a nutritional protein source, particularly for premium quality varieties. The project will analyse market requirements, nutritional composition, processing and packaging requirements for export-focused products."
The project received $441,000 through the Department of Agriculture and Food's Agricultural Sciences Research and Development Fund, made possible by the State Government Royalties for Regions program.
Mr Nalder said the project aligned with broader integrated research by ORDCO and its growers with the goal of increasing chickpea and pulses production fivefold over the next five years.
Pulses account for about 10 per cent of food crop production in the Ord, and they are an important break crop for the area.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the project would assess infrastructure requirements and contribute sound evidence to inform the potential establishment of chickpea or other pulse processing facilities within the Ord Valley.
"This work will deliver improved understanding of logistics options and costs relating to production, packaging and distribution to help guide decisions about potential processing facilities in the region," Mr Redman said.
"The Ord region has undergone significant expansion and continuing research and development will be key to taking full advantage of export opportunities."
Fact File
Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 6400
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
