The NSW government has unveiled a new seed vault and plant growth facility at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI) valued at $1.1million with an aim to strengthen NSW's ability to protect valuable crop genetics and support the development of more resilient grain varieties. According to the government the state-of-the-art facility will secure thousands of unique grain seed lines in a climate-controlled environment, preserving critical genetic resources for future generations and safeguarding Australia's food security. The facility also includes three purpose-built Plant Pathology Growth Rooms, part funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), which will enable NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) scientists to accelerate research into disease resistance in key winter grain crops. Together, the new facilities will support the development of grain varieties that are better equipped to withstand emerging pests, diseases and changing climatic conditions, helping to secure the future of Australian agriculture. The seed vault, which includes a dehumidified cool room, a long-term freezer room, and an insulated ante room, is named after George Hulbert, a long-serving former storeman at WWAI who worked from the building where the facility is housed. NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said the completion of the George Hulbert Seed Vault and the Plant Pathology Growth Rooms at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute delivers a major asset for the future proofing of cropping in NSW which is estimated to be worth $11.6 billion annually. “The official opening of this site reinforces the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability, ensuring that vital genetic resources are preserved and used to improve crop production and food security, supporting the growth of the state’s $25.5 billion agricultural sector,” Ms Moriarty said. “This facility will protect the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s priceless seed assets and serve as the foundation for research aimed to enhance Australia's cropping industry, making it more resilient and sustainable.” The importance of seed vaults was highlighted in a government statement saying seed vaults are important as they safeguard the world’s crop diversity, providing vital insurance against disasters, climate change, disease, conflict and human error. By backing up seeds, they protect food security and ensure future generations can adapt agriculture and recover from major disruptions. This new seed vault is also home to the NSW DPIRD Rice Germplasm Collection which holds almost 3,000 accessions including the first cultivars of rice bred and released by the department nearly 100 years ago. The facility also holds wheat and barley germplasm, which is used for developing new sources of disease resistance, winter cereal mutant resources, and the DPIRD Lupin Germplasm collection. NSW DPIRD Executive Director Agriculture, Jane Weatherley said the George Hulbert Seed Vault provides secure, stable, long-term storage conditions for a range of invaluable rice and grain germplasm collections which may hold the answers to address modern agricultural challenges such as climate change adaptation and disease resistance. “The facility contains a large number of irreplaceable seed lines and foundational varieties that are held nowhere else in the world,” she said. “The naming of the facility after former storeman George Hulbert represents the important contribution of the department’s unsung heroes – the technical and support staff who keep the wheels turning for vital work across our research stations and institutes.” Local member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr said that Wagga Wagga has long been at the heart of grain research in NSW, making it the ideal home for a facility that will help protect and advance the future of our agriculture sector. “Having these world-class facilities based in the Riverina means researchers can work directly alongside growers and industry to develop the crop varieties needed to meet future challenges, from emerging diseases to a changing climate,” Dr McGirr said. “This investment strengthens Wagga Wagga's position as a centre for agricultural innovation, supporting highly skilled jobs, attracting research expertise and delivering long-term benefits for regional communities and the state's grain industry.” Another local aspect was incorporated into the new facility with local digital artist Rachel Viski from Wagga Wagga commissioned to create engaging enviro-graphics throughout the seed vault and growth rooms to symbolise the purpose of each area and what they store.
