Victoria is an international leader in agricultural biotechnology. Our research strengths include high-nutritional pasture grasses, dairy genetics, avian influenza diagnostics, freshwater aquaculture, and novel anti-microbial compounds from wallaby milk.

Victoria's temperate climate, high quality soils and clean water support world-class agricultural research and industry. One of the largest international dairy producers, Victoria keenly pursues advances in dairy innovation. Agricultural products are a significant export for Victoria. The State's largest export earner is the dairy industry, which provides about 13 per cent of dairy products traded globally.

Victoria’s Agricultural Research

Victoria’s agricultural research is led by the Department of Primary Industries through the Biosciences Research Division, as well as partners at Dairy Futures CRC.

Dairy Futures CRC engages in a variety of agricultural research from high-energy pasture grasses to genomic testing of dairy cattle.

Gene Technology in Victoria

Agricultural research using conventional breeding and genetic modification is actively undertaken in Victoria. The responsible use of biotechnology offers Australia multiple opportunities to greatly increase its international competitiveness and the standard of living for all Australians.

Activities involving gene technology in Australia fall under a national regulatory scheme, agreed to by state and federal governments and administered by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. This scheme protects the environment and the public’s health and safety by identifying potential harm caused by gene technology.

Information on the law and regulations relating to gene technologies used in Victoria are available from the Department of Primary Industries: Gene Technology in Victoria: law and regulations.

Future of Agricultural Biotechnology in Victoria

Victoria’s biotechnology sector, backed by the Victorian Government, supports the integration of the dairy, livestock and grain sectors to explore collaborative opportunities using biotechnology as a tool for new agricultural processes and products.

Initiatives include:

• AUD$230 million AgriBio Centre for Victoria – Victoria’s new biosciences research centre is taking shape in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and is set to retain Victoria at the forefront of global agricultural biosciences research;
• Hosting the first Australian field trials of high-energy pasture grasses developed by scientists at the Department of Primary Industries and the Molecular Plant Breeding Cooperative Research Centre;
• Developing new plant varieties that are resistant to the impacts of climate change and that improve crop yields will be critical to the future of Victorian agriculture.
• A new global alliance between the Victorian Government and Dow AgroSciences will greatly strengthen Victoria’s research leadership in these areas;
• The Victorian Government's Future Farming strategy which is investing $205 million over four years to deliver new services and science driven programs to the farming sector to maintain its global competitiveness and meet future challenges; and
• Investment in the new $128 million Australian Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre headquartered in Victoria and operational in early 2010

Links

• Department of Primary Industries
  Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries takes a lead in supporting the sustainable growth of Victoria’s agricultural sector
• Dairy Futures CRC invests in large-scale research projects to deliver improved pasture and animal options. This helps to build a more resilient and profitable dairy industry.
• AgriBio Centre
  The new AgriBio Centre will increase science outcomes in agriculture for the benefit of Victoria and Australia.
• Federal Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
  The Federal Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries undertakes a range of activities relevant to biotechnology and provides information on agricultural biotechnology issues.
• Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics
  The Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics provides information on cutting-edge research, technologies associated with functional genomics and information on abiotic stress in crops.
• TechNyou
  TechNyou (formerly the Gene and NanoTechnology Information Service) provides balanced and factual information on gene and nanotechnology to help the public make informed choices.
• Agrifood Awareness Australia
  Agrifood Awareness Australia is an industry initiative established to increase public awareness and encourage debate about gene technology in agriculture. This website includes a news summary which can be useful for classroom activities such as discussions and debates.
• NOVA
  Science in the news, published by the Australian Academy of Science
• SciDev.Net
  A network aiming to provide reliable and authoritative information on science and technology-related issues that impact on developing countries. Features a comprehensive GM crop dossier.