Perth, Australia: More than 870 leading researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from over 50 countries have gathered in Perth for the 3rd International Wheat Congress 2024 (IWC). Murdoch University is hosting this five-day event, offering a unique platform for global wheat leaders to share groundbreaking research, exchange ideas, and ignite future collaborations that will drive advancements in wheat research and production.
The event will feature over 280 poster presentations, breakout workshops, and 70 selected speakers from the world’s largest wheat-producing nations. Key themes will include achieving global food and nutrition security; driving sustainability in agriculture; breakthroughs in climate adaptability research; enhancing farmer profitability; breeding wheat varieties resilient to harsh environmental conditions; tackling diseases and pests; and the global wheat market and international trade.
The IWC kicks off on Sunday, September 22, at the Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre. The inaugural session will spotlight influential leaders in the global wheat community, who will provide insights on the Australian grain market, Western Australia’s agricultural landscape, the international wheat market, and the impact of international research collaboration on R&D.
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Murdoch University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Deeks will speak at the opening session. He emphasised the significance of the IWC for Western Australian wheat farmers, the local wheat industry, and governments, as wheat accounts for 65 per cent of the state’s annual grain production, generating US$2-5 billion annually.
“Wheat has been the world’s principal cereal crop since the 18th century,” Professor Deeks noted. “Its viability, sustainability, and protection are vital to all of humanity. Murdoch University, through the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and the State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre—both led by Professor Rajeev Varshney—is at the forefront of wheat research and innovation in Western Australia. We are thrilled to host this major congress in Perth, bringing together the best minds to collaborate and ensure the future of the wheat industry locally and globally.”
Professor Varshney also expressed his excitement about hosting key policymakers, industry leaders, and research pioneers in Perth. “With challenges like climate change and geopolitical instability threatening wheat production and disrupting global supply chains, this congress provides a crucial platform for global wheat producers to unite, share insights, and work towards a more sustainable, resilient, adaptable, and equitable international wheat industry.”
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IWC will address some of the most critical issues in wheat research and production. The topics will range from advancing wheat genomics and developing climate-smart wheat to fostering environmentally sustainable production and strengthening wheat’s resistance to pests and diseases. The congress will highlight global translational research approaches that positively impact farmers, producers, consumers, and the environment.
Professor Varshney extended his gratitude to the national and local organising committees, consisting of senior leaders from the public, private, and tertiary sectors across Australia. He also thanked event sponsors for their ongoing support in making this event possible.
Tomorrow’s session will feature presentations from Grains Research and Development Corporation Managing Director Nigel Hart, Department of Primary Industries and Development Director General Heather Brayford, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Director General Bram Govaerts, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Professor Wendy Umberger, and Chair of the Scientific Board of the Wheat Initiative, Professor Peter Langridge.
