The Arista high fibre wheat variety was developed through a 20-year effort by Arista Cereal Technologies, a joint venture between the CSIRO and French farmer-led cooperative Limagrain.
Testing and development of the wheat has been conducted in Australia for a number of years and a long term exclusive breeding partnership was finalised between Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) and Arista last month.
Arista high fibre wheat has been developed using conventional breeding methods. AGT is applying its industry leading breeding capabilities to produce locally adapted Australian varieties.
AGT's head of Science and Business Development, Tristan Coram, said the company was excited to be partnering with Arista to develop wheat varieties specifically targeted at human health.
"This technology was discovered in Australia and we are very eager to translate this into value for Australian growers, grain processors and consumers," Coram said.
The new high fibre wheat can be used in many applications, with the first consumer products including pizza crusts, tortillas and noodles being recently launched in the USA.
The elevated fibre content is due to a high level of resistant starch, a fermentable fibre that is resistant to digestion in the small intestine. This fibre moves onto the large intestine and bowel, where is contributes to gut health.
The first high fibre wheat varieties are currently being grown under contract and the first sales of grain for food applications will start next year.
