Lucerne Australia has just launched a five-year strategic plan to bolster the industry estimated to be worth $95 million each year.
Executive committee member Rodney Lush, who helped develop the plan, says it focuses on five key strategic imperatives - research, communication, membership,representation and sustainability.
"The Plan will guide current and future executive committee members in their governance and it communicates to our industry stakeholders who LA is and where it is going."
"With water quality in the Upper South East limiting crop options, many producers here have a significant investment in the lucerne seed industry," he said.
Mr Lush says the plan's targets include ensuring at least one major trial is run at all times and having a strong relationship with AgriFutures and its Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel to discuss potential future research projects.
There is a big opportunity for the high protein plant to have a major role in "feeding the world", driving milk and meat production.
But Mr Lush says production of new lucerne varieties that compete against other forage crops needs to be profitable to ensure a robust value chain.
With water quality in the Upper South East limiting crop options, many producers here have a significant investment in the lucerne seed industry,
- Rodney Lush
"While some of the new genetics were hard to get to set seed, our irrigation scheduling trial is showing some good data with significant improvement above standard practice by varying watering strategies," he said.
"The next challenge is how we apply that at farm level.".
Mr Lush says the industry is investigating a PCR test for lucerne seed wasp to allows growers to assess risk of the pest early in the growing season and minimise big yield losses.
This would remain a priority for Lucerne Australia in coming years.
Building capacity among members is another target for the plan according to Mr Lush with regular field days and guest speakers.
He acknowledges price volatility is a challenge to the industry, as a "medium sized player in a global market" but hopes the industry can continue to work with stakeholders to build value chain transparency.
"While hay prices and livestock prices are buoyant there is competition for lucerne seed growing ground. This gives more opportunities for growers to negotiate with seed marketers," he said.
"Adopting research findings to new varieties at values beneficial to all sectors of the supply chain is a work in progress.
"Can we achieve this? We're well on the way."
A copy of the plan is available at lucerneaustralia.org.au
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