Local leader column with Leonie Napier | December 2021

Recognition of this began with the Irrigana Festival in 1959 to celebrate the harvest along with fundraising for the community. Over time it was reimagined as the Rice Bowl Festival and now the SunRice Festival, but it has remained steadfast in the celebration of agricultural significance and community support.

The SunRice Head Office Leeton had its beginnings through the innovative insight of rice growers who pooled funds to build and establish the local rice mill, as well as successfully launching its own Sunwhite rice brand.

The quality of our rice products is valued and distributed worldwide. SunRice stipulates that all Australian-grown rice they receive is grown from seed that ensures its genetic integrity. The Pure Seed Program is integral to ongoing quality assurance.

Yanco Agricultural Institute has played a central role in the development of pure seed with the first field rice trial taking place in the 1922-23 season.

Seed inferiority from lack of pure seed supply was a significant observation. In 1928 Assistant Plant Breeder W H Poggendorff was appointed at Yanco which led to the development of the first pure strain of Caloro.

Pure seed for our growers was then sourced from the Leeton Rice Research Station. From this time the Department of Primary Industries and Industry have worked together in the sustainability and productivity of the Australian rice industry.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Respected rice researchers continue to work at Yanco and are held in high regard.

We have many notable researchers who have dedicated their expertise to the rice industry, including Dr Laurie Lewin who received the prestigious Farrer Memorial Medal for his significant contribution to the Australian rice industry.

His work at Yanco in developing varieties such as Amaroo holds place as an authority on rice breeding in Australia and internationally.

Significant work and outcomes produced right on our doorstep at Yanco and have national and international recognition.

This is merely a snapshot of local innovation and vision that is recognised around the world, so it is most certainly worth celebrating.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: