Signature image of the Centre for Grain Food Innovation showing bubbles in dough, grain products such as noodles and breads, a stem of wheat and a mathematical description of dough.

Centre for Grain Food Innovation: improving Australian grain food for healthy lifestyles

CSIRO, Curtin University of Technology and the Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia are working together to improve and increase the use of Australian grains in export markets.

24 November 2009 | Updated 14 October 2011

Centre outline

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Increased use through increased understanding
Close to producers and export markets

Increased use through increased understanding

The Centre for Grain Food Innovation will enhance the utility of Australian grain in export markets by gaining a better understanding of the characteristics of Australian grains and the most appropriate means for processing them in the manufacture of products such as breads and noodles.

The centre provides a unique opportunity to establish research capacity in grain food processing in Western Australia.

Australian wheat, particularly from Western Australia, is highly valued and widely used in export markets for noodle production but suffers from the perception that it is less suited to bread making. This is despite it being used in Australia to make superior quality breads.

A greater understanding of processing effects on dough and end product qualities will open up opportunities for educating dough processors in the use of Australian wheat and help guide future development of grains more suited to defined processing criteria.

The centre will also examine the opportunity to effectively use other grains such as barley, canola and lupins. These grains have the potential to provide healthier products but they often adversely affect the characteristics of dough. Overcoming this challenge will lead to healthier products and increased demand for Australian grain.

Close to producers and export markets

The centre provides a unique opportunity to establish research capacity in grain food processing in Western Australia, the major export production region of Australia and within easy reach of our major grain customers. It will also provide a knowledge base for Australian manufacturers of grain based products.

Improving the utility of Australian grain through innovation will ultimately improve the competitive position of Australian grains in international trade.