A new genetically modified ryegrass “is a plant farmers could get genuinely excited about”, according to a dairy industry expert in Australia.

“This is a true first in ryegrass – a high performing variety with extra energy and digestibility,” Dairy Futures CRC CEO David Nation said.

Despite predictions of up to 15% productivity gains, Dr Nation said there were “significant logistics” ahead before the plant could be commercially tested and multiplied. A commercial partner is being sought.

The product has not yet been fed to animals or planted to look at its agronomy in a paddock. Almost 1,000 different lines of plants were created in 2006 and screened in field studies, laboratory testing and glasshouse testing, leading to the developed of preferred plants.

Tests over the past six to 12 months have shown high digestibility that leads to higher energy value and equal or slightly higher yields than its contemporaries.

“It will be a significant step up on all the other plants we’ve studied. You can’t achieve what we’ve just achieved through regular breeding of elite plants to create varieties. This is something different created by this GM plant.

“One of our challenges is the logistics of getting this plant to market.

‘‘Typically, a new variety is tested for at least six years before release,” Nation said.

There is no set timeframe for commercialisation of the GM ryegrass. Dairy Futures CRC will finish in June next year.

The research has been primarily a Victorian government investment by independent scientists over the past 10 years, supported by the dairy industry.