Grain scientists will converge on Wagga Wagga in September for an international conference putting the spotlight on breeding, processing, nutrition and consumer foods.

The 68^th Australasian Grain Science Conference will be held at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga from Monday 10 September to Wednesday 13 September 2018.

It is supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains (FGC) and the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation.

Under the theme ‘Grain Science Transforming our Future’ the conference will bring together scientific and technical experts.

Conference co-chairman and FGC Director Professor Chris Blanchard said, “Wagga Wagga is in the heart of the NSW grain belt and we’re looking forward to welcoming experts working in grain science and technology.”

“The conference will be an opportunity to hear about new developments to improve the profitability and sustainability of the entire grains value chain.”

Co-chairman Dr Asgar Farahnaky said the conference themes are market intelligence, capacity building, and value adding technologies.

“There is a strong focus on research that aims to transform the Australasian grains industry to a high value food and feed industry.

“Speakers include Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Steve Thomas, University of Queensland Professor Ian Goodwin, whose research has uses biotechnological tools for crop improvement and Dr Tristan Coram from Australia’s largest plant breeding company, Australian Grain Technologies.

“We’re also pleased to welcome Professor Weining Huang, from the School of Food Science and Technology at Jiangnan University in China who has expertise in cereal and bakery foods, rheology and texture, with emphasis on oriental food products using new food ingredients and new technologies.”

For more information email conference@ausgrainscience.org.au

Photo caption: Conference Co-Chairs Professor Chris Blanchard and Dr Asgar Farahnaky