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Summary of full report
by Mr Chris Bluett
March 2001
RIRDC Publication No 01/14
RIRDC Project No DAV-136A
Executive Summary
This summarises the two RIRDC projects:
Background- DAV-86A ‘Production and export of buckwheat grain and value added products’ and
- DAV-136A ‘Total quality management for the production and marketing of buckwheat and honeybee pollination of buckwheat’.
Research- Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, is an annual, summer growing, broad leaf crop not related to cereal wheat.
- Buckwheat is widely grown across many Northern Hemisphere countries.
- Grows best in cool climate, highland or coastal areas that have reliable summer rainfall or irrigation.
- Produces black triangular starch-rich seeds used for products such as noodles (Soba) and pancakes for human consumption.
Outcomes- Research on buckwheat in Australia under RIRDC project DAV-86A (1994–1997) and project DAV-136A (1997–2000) investigated agronomy and physiology of buckwheat in the main growing areas of New South Wales and Victoria.
- Before the commencement of DAV-86A in 1994, only a very limited amount of research and published material was available on buckwheat in Australia.
- Various aspects of research have been completed overseas on genetics, breeding, physiology, ecology, biochemistry, food science and human health on buckwheat.
Implications- Research on buckwheat has shown that high quality buckwheat can be produced in many growing areas of New South Wales and Victoria through good management.
- The best buckwheat varieties in Australia appear to be the shorter maturing ones, for optimum yields and quality.
- Good management from seed bed preparation to harvest timing and method is critical for high quality yields.
- A Quality Assurance manual has been drafted to assist farmers grow high quality buckwheat.
Future- An established buckwheat industry in Australia now exports over 2000 tonnes annually to Japan as well as other markets overseas and domestically.
- Buckwheat currently contributes over $2 million dollars directly to farmers and producers.
- Established links with breeders and researchers in Europe, Asia and America have allowed for good transfer of knowledge and collaboration.
- More refined research into agronomy and niche markets such as organic production with emphasis on producing quality grain, including moisture content, specific gravity and groat colour.
- Better understanding of harvest methods and timing for optimal results.
- An established framework for quality assurance to be adopted by the buckwheat industry.
- Develop links and networks across the industry by establishing a communications strat
 
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