TECHNICAL wheat seminars conducted in Korea and Japan by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) are strengthening Australia's position in two crucial Asian markets.
Presented in conjunction with Austrade and the WA Government, the seminars in Seoul and Tokyo promoted the advantages and value of Australian wheat directly to major Korean and Japanese flour millers.
AEGIC's wheat quality technical markets manager Larisa Cato said the Seoul Wheat Technical Seminar was attended by more than 35 members of the Korean Flour Mills Industrial Association (KOFMIA).
"Korea is a valuable export wheat market for Australia, and AEGIC is committed to improving the quality and value of exports in this area," Dr Cato said.
The Seoul seminar was opened by KOFMIA executive director Cho Won Ryang and Austrade senior trade commissioner Bret Cooper.
AEGIC chairman Terry Enright gave an overview of the Australian grains industry and Dr Cato presented on wheat production, wheat quality trends and AEGIC research and development projects.
AEGIC was joined by InterGrain chief executive officer Tress Walmsley, who spoke about udon noodle wheat for the Korean market and the potential of the new varieties Zen, Supreme and IGW8027.
Dr Cato said about 60 members of the Japanese Flour Millers Association (JFMA) attended the Tokyo Wheat Technical Seminar, which was held at the Australian embassy.
The seminar was opened by Austrade senior trade commissioner Leonie Muldoon.
Osamu Hashiramoto Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the Australian supply of noodle wheat was "extremely important" to Japan.
Dr Cato said the seminars were important in deepening and growing the strong links between the Australian wheat industry and the Korean and Japanese flour industries.
AEGIC will continue its in-market engagement in Asia by leading a wheat industry mission to Taiwan this month.
