While Strawberry (west Mingenew) farmer Clancy Michael provided delegates with an insightful farmer perspective on profitable and sustainable lupin production, he left no doubt that GM lupins was the key to the future.

"There is a compelling case for the development of a glyphosate-tolerant lupin compared to developing similar technology in other crops such as canola and wheat," he said.

Mr Michael said the lupin industry needed a plant that is highly tolerant to a broad spectrum herbicide such as a glyphosate-tolerant variety.

"Unlike TT canola we have no alternative options," he said.

"The changing climate means existing lupin production is becoming more difficult.

"Growers are opting to not crop paddocks and then apply glyphosate to remove weeds and conserve moisture.

"I believe a better alternative is planting a glyphosate-tolerant lupin and spraying glyphosate over the crop.

"The cost of development of this technology for lupins would not be prohibitively expensive compared with the benefits it would bring and it could be the saviour of the lupin industry.

"The international prices received for protein has been declining in real terms for many years because Roundup-Ready soybean production costs are lower.

"Lupin growers need the same tools to compete internationally against soybean."

The value of lupins in the international food chain also must be considered.

Adding lupins to human dietary supplements and using lupin flour to combat obesity issues needs to be pursued.

"Lupins need promotion and commercialisation in a world where food will be limited in the future," Mr Michael said.