This month we highlight the important work of the Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council (PNW WQC). First convened in Portland in 1995, the annual meeting brings together wheat breeders, cereal chemists, wheat producers, state wheat commissions, marketers, inspectors, processors, and users of wheat to discuss the quality of new wheat varieties being considered for release. PNW WQC ‘s mission statement is: “To enhance the quality of wheat produced in the Western States by promoting the development of superior cultivars.”
More than 20 domestic and international quality labs, including the Wheat Marketing Center, evaluate individual lines with a focus on end-product quality. The January meeting provides the opportunity to discuss their results and provide direct feedback to the individual breeders.
The council is also a forum to discuss breeding targets, research priorities and challenges facing the PNW wheat industry. In recent years, for example, a special workshop has been added to discuss falling number research efforts. Participants also tour local commercial facilities, including ports, export elevators and food production facilities. The opportunity for diverse industry players to come together in person and discuss issues of common interest will be deferred for another year. We all hope to be back together in 2023. In the meantime, we recognize and thank the many volunteers who help organize this meeting. The PNW’s success in maintaining (and improving) the region’s quality is due in no small part to the efforts of the Pacific Northwest Wheat Quality Council.