A recent trip to China by CRCNPB CEO Dr Simon McKirdy, Dr Shashi Sharma from the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA), Associate Professor YongLin Ren from Murdoch University/DAFWA and Mr Robert Emery from DAFWA – followed by a visit from Chinese delegates to Australia – has led to memoranda of understanding with two leading Chinese science agencies and a university. The MOU is to mount joint research programs aimed at curbing losses of grain and other vital crops to insects, moulds and plant diseases.

“Food security is a top national priority for China – and Prime Minister Julia Gillard has
recently made it one for Australia as well. It is becoming a critical issue around the world. This is a deal that makes good sense from every perspective,” Dr McKirdy said.

“When we visited China to sign these agreements, we were told food is in fact the Chinese government’s number two priority overall. And we saw clear evidence of the massive reinvestment and technical tooling-up they are now making in food and agricultural science. Compared with what’s happening in Australia, it is huge – and the new partnership means we now stand to benefit from their investment in science.”

The CRC signed MOUs with the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine and the
Chinese Academy of State Administration of Grain and will shortly sign a third with
Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University. These provide primarily for increased joint
research, and greater exchange of scientists and PhD students between the partners.

The initial research focus of the new collaboration will be in diagnostics – timely
identification of plant pests and diseases – and in the management of pests in stored grain.

“Worldwide, humanity loses anywhere between 8 and 20 per cent of its annual grain
harvest to insects and moulds – that’s enough food to feed every hungry person on the
planet,” Dr McKirdy explained.

“Australia is recognised as a world leader in dealing with insect pests in stored grain, and the Chinese are keen to partner with us in this area.”

Read more in a recent media release [1] issued by the CRCNPB.

Simon McKirdy signs the MOU as Board members Jim Cullen and John Sandow look on with the Chinese delegates.

Back to The Leaflet [2].