- Colin Bettles, Farm Weekly, March 15, 2009

Leading wheat grower representative groups in Australia, Canada and America are joining forces to prepare for the introduction of biotech wheat varieties into the world's export markets.

The long-term collaborative effort is designed to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition into sensitive export markets for the biotech wheat varieties currently under development.

The US Wheat Associates (USW) is responsible for expanding US wheat markets around the globe.

USW has already spoken about the collaboration with several Australian and Canadian farm groups and begun planning the link up.

The move is also being supported by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), the Washington-based political lobby group for the US wheat industry.

It is understood both the USW and NAWG have broached the subject with the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Grains Council of Australia.

The partnership would see a joint statement released between wheat producers in Australia, the US and Canada.

The statement would send a common message to export markets and biotechnology providers, informing them about farmers' willingness to work with them collectively to develop the technology.

The collaboration would also seek to create a simultaneous and co-coordinated release of any GM wheats when they become available.

Speaking to Farm Weekly last month, USW president Alan Tracy said the co-coordinated strategy was designed to avoid any serious disruption in wheat export markets common to all three countries.

Mr Tracy said a staggered approach to market entry could see wheat markets disrupted, raising the potential for mixed messages to customers.

After taking an outspoken role in the single desk debate, the USW was now looking to work productively with Australian farmers and build a strong relationship, he said.