Request for Quote: Optimised ARGT Testing

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program is seeking a qualified service provider to develop and evaluate an alternative annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) assay to the existing ELISA.

Service requirements

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program is seeking a qualified service provider to develop and evaluate an alternative ARGT assay to the existing ELISA. The Australian export fodder industry is committed to upholding the highest standards of product integrity, while also investigating if a nucleic acid based, or alternative could be utilised to provide a more cost effective and efficient way of testing Australian hay.

This project will align with the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Strategic RD&E Plan and specifically, priority 2 – continued access to export markets. This investment will contribute to ensuring that there are zero rejections of Australian export fodder into any market through compliance with importing countries bio-sanitary standards.

Outcome for industry – By December 2028, export fodder exporters will have access to an alternative ARGT test that is at least 50% cheaper and delivers reduced test turnaround times compared to the current ELISA.

Output 1 – Identification of an alternative ARGT test for the export fodder Industry.

Lab and field experiments as required, will be undertaken to evaluate the appropriateness of the chosen alternative ARGT test. Evaluation of the alternative test will focus on cost (both lab cost and estimated paddock to lab costings), labour requirements, turn-around times, analytical equipment requirements, hay sampling and lab protocols and test accuracy/thresholds. These measurables should be compared to the existing ELISA test.

Output 2 – Review of the regulatory requirements required to implement a new ARGT test for the export fodder industry.

This review will seek information from the relevant regulatory organisations, such as DAFF and provide recommendations on actions required to implement a new ARGT test. Ensuring regulatory compliance and validation of test results is critical.

Output 3 – Extension and training plan.

Consideration should be given to who will be undertaking the proposed alternative ARGT test and what training and skills they will require. Development of an appropriate extension and training plan will be critical for the adoption of the new test.

Summary

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