CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Geoff Garrett greeting the President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos Escobar

The President of Chile, Ricardo Lagos Escobar visited CSIRO Discovery Centre and Plant Industry laboratories at Black Mountain in Canberra in July this year. The President expressed an interest in finding out more about Australia’s research in plant biotechnology during his three day state visit. He was welcomed by CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett, Food Futures Flagship Director, Dr Bruce Lee and Deputy Chief of Plant Industry, Professor TJ Higgins.

Following a brief overview of CSIRO and Plant Industry’s biotechnology research, the President heard about several projects in more detail, including Food Futures Flagship research into producing healthy Omega 3 oils from plants and the discovery of an aluminium tolerance gene in wheat that can help with breeding for acid soil tolerant crops.

While President Lagos was visiting Plant Industry’s laboratories, his party was treated to a tasting of produce including macadamia nuts, new dried grape varieties and wine developed from CSIRO breeding efforts.

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Meet the Scientist

The Food Futures Flagship is a CSIRO initiative and part of the National Research Flagships program that aims to deliver scientific solutions to advance Australia's most important national objectives. One of the largest scientific initiatives ever mounted in Australia, it aligns closely with the Federal Government's National Research Priorities. The initiative brings together our national research resources to deliver breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to light metals and the environment.