OATSPO: Fostering Innovation and Growth in Western Australia’s Oat Industry
Western Australia, a key global player in oat production and export, is gearing up for its inaugural OATSPO event in Narrogin on September 10. Organized by the WA Government in collaboration with the Processed Oat Partnership (POP), OATSPO aims to unite researchers, growers, and industry stakeholders to highlight the latest advancements in oat research and development.
Mark Narustrang, chair of the POP steering committee, emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing the growth of the WA processed oat industry. With demand surpassing 300,000 tonnes annually, WA’s oat sector is expanding, driven by investments in breeding, innovation, and market access.
OATSPO will feature a walk-through of the Oat Tech trial and research site, providing attendees with firsthand insights into cutting-edge oat technologies. Garren Knell, OATSPO coordinator and ConsultAg agronomist, highlighted Narrogin’s pivotal role in the region’s oat production, being strategically located near grain and hay processors. The event aims to educate growers on adopting newly released oat varieties and innovative farming techniques.
Funded by Royalty for Regions, the POP initiative underscores the WA Government’s commitment to boosting local oat processing capacity and fostering economic growth. The Grain Industry Association of WA, through its Oat Council, plays a central role in organizing OATSPO, facilitating collaboration across the oat industry supply chain.
According to recent ABARES data, WA is poised to contribute significantly to Australia’s oat production, projecting 450,000 tonnes for the 2024-25 crop season out of a national forecast of 1.1 million tonnes.
OATSPO promises to be a pivotal event for WA’s oat industry, offering a platform for stakeholders to explore new opportunities, exchange knowledge, and advance the sector’s sustainable growth trajectory.
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