ACIAR grain storage program coordination, research information network and workshops

This project provides an operational framework for coordination of ACIAR's activities in the grain storage area. This is an essential component of the program in maximising its effectiveness both in terms of utilisation of resources and of research output.
As their titles indicate, the related ACIAR projects listed below form a closely interconnected group designed to address major constraints to preservation of stored grain in the humid tropics. Much of the technology of grain storage is 'portable', and rapid solution of problems and efficient use of resources may result from effective interchange of information between countries. many of the problems that Australian research and development have already addressed are currently facing the grain industries of the developing countries. Moreover, diversification of cropping in Australia and expansion of grain-growing into new areas, particularly in the north, are giving rise to storage problems similar to those emerging in climatically similar Asia's areas. Development of liaison between appropriate authorities throughout the region would confer mutual benefits.
In addition, all these ACIAR projects require access to information storage and retrieval systems, and can only achieve their full impact if they have facilities for information exchange and dissemination.
Accordingly, this project will set up an information network on grain storage technology, based in Canberra, to provide a link between research and development organisations in Australia and the Asian Pacific region. Its operational framework will include a literature search and information retrieval facility, to which participating organisations will send information, copies of relevant reports and publications outlining their activities. The facility will use the duplicate reference index for stored products of the United Kingdom Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (maintained at the CSIRO Stored Grain Research laboratory), data bases such as DIALOG, including BIOSIS Previews, CAB Abstracts, AGRICOLA, and CA Search, and various reference libraries. All accessions will be circulated to participants.
Another major aim of the project is to publish a 6-monthly newsletter, to provide information on developments within the region together with selected information from elsewhere. Ad hoc publications, produced as opportunity arises, will begin with a textbook on identification of the world's storage pests, already in an advanced stage of preparation. The group will also publish workshop proceedings as required.
Internal workshops will form an integral part of the project to ensure the highest level of interaction between the various institutions involved in the related projects and also with other relevant groups; overseas workshops may follow later.
Participation in and liaison with related Australian initiatives in international grain storage research and development will involve the ASEAN Food Handling Subcommittee's Grains Working Group and the Group for Assistance on Systems relating to Grain After-harvest (GASGA). The project will also provide, when appropriate, support for the technical team of the ASEAN Crops Postharvest Program to facilitate liaison with the grain industries of the region and to expedite conduct of the related ACIAR projects in the area, including dissemination of results and their integration into storage practice.
The Grain Storage Research Information Network will thus materially increase the availability of information on existing technology to relevant organisations in Southeast Asia,expediate conduct of the ACIAR projects, increase their impact and facilitate cooperative activities both within the ACIAR program and outside its current scope.