NSW opens $1.1 million seed vault to safeguard crop genetics

In NSWs, the Minns Labor Government has unveiled a new $1.1 million seed vault and plant growth facility at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, aimed at strengthening long-term crop resilience and protecting key genetic resources.

The facility will securely store thousands of grain seed lines in climate-controlled conditions, preserving crop diversity and supporting future food security and climate adaptation research.

It also includes three plant pathology growth rooms, partly funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, to accelerate research into disease resistance in winter grain crops.

The site houses major collections including rice, wheat, barley and lupin germplasm, which scientists will be able to preserve and access for ongoing breeding programs.

The state's Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says the investment will help future-proof the state’s $11.6 billion cropping industry, supporting more resilient grain varieties to meet future climate and disease pressures.