Saudis look to import WA wheat

A high-level Saudi Arabian delegation will tour Western Australia this week looking to boost wheat imports as the country phases out irrigated crop production.

The WA Department of Agriculture said Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman had invited the kingdom's sole wheat importer, the Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organisation, on the inspection trip.

Mr Redman, who visited Saudi Arabia on a trade mission last year, said there was considerable potential for WA to become a major wheat supplier to the kingdom.

"Saudi Arabia is focusing on its water security and phasing out irrigated wheat production," Mr Redman said.

"Instead, the kingdom will rely more on imported wheat to satisfy an estimated annual demand for 2.5 million tonnes.

"Their total demand for all grains will be six million tonnes."

Mr Redmond said the WA department and the federal government's Grains Research and Development Corporation were researching the kingdom's bread-making and other baking requirements.

"Even though WA's main wheat grade, Australian premium white, is very well suited to making flat breads, it currently does not satisfy the kingdom's requirement for high protein levels," the minister said.

"This visit will provide an opportunity for the delegation's technical experts to examine how WA wheat compares to Saudi wheat in baking and understand how our wheat might well be suitable for their products.

"Testing is being undertaken at the department's Grain Products Laboratories."

The delegation will inspect the WA wheat supply chain, including grain handling operations, ports and processors, and a bakery.

"WA is already a major supplier to other Middle East wheat markets and has a reputation as a reliable exporter of quality grain," Mr Redman said.