The upgrade follows a meeting of the Australian Wheat Board International Variety Classification Panel whose role is to assess the quality attributes and milling characteristics of wheat varieties.

The panel determined the variety’s milling quality, semolina colour, gluten properties and pasta quality met the necessary quality requirements for classification as an APDR wheat.

As a result of this evaluation and re-classification, and subject to market access, WA growers of Jandaroi can look forward to receiving a higher return for their durum.

Previously the variety was categorised as a feed wheat in Western Australia.

The upgrade means it is now in line with its classification in Queensland, northern New South Wales and South Australia.

In Victoria and southern New South Wales, Jandaroi is yet to be evaluated by the panel and therefore has a default classification of feed.

Following the introduction of changes in wheat marketing arrangements introduced on July 1, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and AWBI have put in place a short term agreement to ensure the continued operation of wheat classification while appropriate arrangements are made for the future.

GRDC has agreed to undertake management of wheat variety classification and through public consultation is working to develop a new model in 2009 and 2010.