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Agricultural

24 February, 2022

New pulse storage guide available

Queensland researchers have developed Australia’s most comprehensive guide for storing pulses and managing pests which will support the state’s rapidly expanding multi-million dollar chickpea and pulses industry.


From left: AgForce’s Brendan Taylor, PB Agrifoods’ Peter Brodie and Minister Furner showing off the new guide on mastering pulse storage.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner was at PB Agrifoods in Toowoomba recently to promote the Pulse Storage Best Management Practice Guide.

Mr Furner said it would help growers maximise profitability and further strengthen Queensland’s reputation for supplying premium quality, pest-free pulses in a highly competitive international market.

“The Pulse Storage Best Management Practice Guide is the result of three years of research and collaboration by scientists from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with producers and industry partners, involving extensive field trials and laboratory testing, as well as an exhaustive review of published information,” he said.

“Most pulses grown in Australia are exported, earning almost $2 billion annually, with Queensland’s chickpeas and mung-beans valued at around
$264 million in 2020-21.

“Chickpeas and mung-beans are an essential food for millions of people globally, and Australia is known for having among the highest standards in the world for pulse exports.”

Mr Furner said maintaining the highest quality and the best prices relies heavily on how pulses are stored after harvest.

“The new guide will be a key reference manual for pulse growers, exporters and other stakeholders, with a wealth of information about hygiene, aeration and fumigation for the storage of pulses.”

AgForce Grains Board President Brendan Taylor said AgForce is a big supporter and promoter of the growth in pulse production, particularly given the exciting market diversification that this commodity offers.

“Queensland’s grain producers are well placed to capitalise on these opportunities, and this guide supports them to best store their harvest and grow our industry further,” Mr Taylor said.

PB Agrifoods owner and Managing Director Peter Brodie said the project is a great example of government and industry working together to facilitate valuable research and publish information to help ensure the pulse industry continues to be able to export top quality produce to customers worldwide.

The Pulse Storage Best Management Practice Guide is available at www.daf.qld.gov.au


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