As a result of a license agreement between the CSIRO/Australian Capital Ventures Limited joint venture and Austgrains Pty Ltd, a new high-fiber variety of barley developed by CSIRO called BARLEYmax®, will soon be out in the Australian market.

This variety was developed using conventional plant breeding techniques, and contains more than twice the amount of insoluble and soluble fibre found in wheat or oats, as well as resistant starch. According to the press release, clinical testing has shown that products made with BARLEYmax - such as breakfast cereals, muffins and breads - have a low Glycaemic Index and strong bowel health attributes.

"Further testing showed BARLEYmax has excellent processing properties and foods made with the new grain have a naturally sweet, slightly nutty taste," Mr Ball says. "With large volumes to be produced soon by Austgrains, healthy foods made with BARLEYmax are likely to be on Australian breakfast tables in the near future."