New investment from the Australian Government through the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations (NFACR) will allow AEGIC to continue building relationships in China to support the enhanced use of Australian barley by the Chinese malting and brewing industries.
On behalf of the Australian barley industry, AEGIC supports Chinese customers by providing technical information and support to help them optimise the value of Australian barley.
With NFACR investment, AEGIC will coordinate Australian barley industry seminars in China, host a 10-day industry delegation from China to showcase the Australian barley supply chain, and deliver market briefings to Australian growers aimed at building China literacy and capability, among other activities.
AEGIC will collaborate with Grains Australia and other industry participants, including breeding companies, brewers, maltsters, growers and educational institutions to deliver the project, which will support and further deepen the relationships between the Australian and Chinese barley industries for long-term mutual benefit.
AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper said China is a significant market for Australian barley exports.
"Chinese customers prefer Australian barley because of its excellent quality and performance for malting, beer brewing, distilling and animal feed," she said.
"Having access to timely technical information from the Australian barley industry is highly appreciated by Chinese customers and increases the likelihood they will choose grain from Australia."
While tariffs affecting barley exports to China were in place, AEGIC continued to engage with Chinese maltsters and brewers and provide information on new varieties, accreditation developments and industry updates to help maintain relationships and help pave the way for Australian barley to smoothly re-enter the market.
When tariffs were removed in August 2023, trade immediately resumed, and by the end of 2023, Australia exported nearly 3 million tonnes of barley worth $1.2 billion to China.
AEGIC is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government and Grains Australia.
About AEGIC
The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) is an independent organisation that helps position Australian grain as the preferred choice in international markets.
AEGIC does this by:
- Understanding the needs of grain customers.
- Identifying and supporting grain market opportunities.
- Educating customers on the benefits of Australian grain.
- Innovating to develop new solutions and high-value uses.
This helps the Australian grains industry breed, classify, grow and supply grain that markets prefer.
AEGIC's primary beneficiaries are Australian grain growers, and the impact of AEGIC's work spans the whole grains supply chain: from the grower in Australia, whose grain is valued internationally, to the consumer who enjoys excellent noodles, baked products and beer made from Australian grain.
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Photo: AEGIC Australian barley technical conference in China in 2023
