12 August 2025

Grain Matters Edition 99 – August 2025

Goyder’s Line

From Emerging Leaders to Industry Foundations

AGIC in Melbourne was a week that brought together the very best of our industry – fresh ideas, shared experience, and a strong focus on the future.

It began for me with the Young Networking Event, hosted by GTA’s Five Under 30 Young. This was an occasion for young professionals in the grain industry aged 30 or under to meet industry leaders and decision makers from across the Australian grain supply chain. Read more.

Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA

2025-26 Grain Trading Standards Now Available

The updated Grain Trading Standards apply from 1 August and include several changes across commodity specifications and trading rules. These updates support certainty and consistency in the Australian grain supply chain. Read more

Grain Industry Participation in the National Residue Survey

GTA is reinforcing the importance of industry participation in the National Residue Survey (NRS) following a recent decline in compliance. Under the Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice, participation in the program is a requirement for GTA members. The NRS plays a critical role in protecting market access by monitoring residue levels in grain and ensuring continued confidence in Australia’s grain supply Read more

Have Your Say on Workplace Exposure Limits - Phosphine

WorkSafe Victoria is seeking industry feedback on proposed changes to replace Workplace Exposure Standards with Workplace Exposure Limits. The survey closes 5pm, on 17 August 2025. GTA strongly encourages members to participate. Read more

AGIC 2025: Driving Forward - Sowing Success

From high‑level insights to world‑class entertainment, AGIC 2025 delivered two days of discussion, networking and celebration. Highlights included the launch of the revised Australian Grain Code of Practice by GTA Chair Andrew Goyder, who also announced new free Code Online Training Program is now open for registration. The CBH AGIC Gala Dinner treated guests to an ‘International Magician of the Year’ performance and a special presentation to Andrew ahead of his retirement in October. Read more

Applications Open for GTA’s Five Under 30 Program

GTA’s Five Under 30 program, the leadership development initiative for emerging grain professionals, is returning for 2025–2026 and is now accepting applications. Read more

Strengthening Industry Links in China

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy travelled to China in July to build relationships, engage with local canola industry stakeholders, and present at major international grain conferences. Meetings with key Chinese industry bodies and officials focused on trade, exports, and collaborative opportunities. Read more

GTA Presents at APEC Food Supply Chain Seminar

On Tuesday, 22 July, GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy presented virtually to the 3rd APEC Seminar on Best Practices and Applications of Digitalisation and Innovation in the Food Supply Chain.

The seminar is part of a series of APEC events sponsored and managed by China’s NAFRA. GTA’s invitation to present is a reflection of the strong relationship being built with key grain stakeholders in China. GTA has also presented at the first two APEC forums organised by NAFRA.

GTA’s presentation focused on the importance of integrating technology into grain supply chains in a commercial way that avoids disruption to trade.

This included:

Highlighting GTA’s role in providing a self‑regulatory framework to facilitate trade through the Code of Practice
Outlining GTA’s work in developing the Technology Framework for the adoption of new technologies into the grain supply chain
Showcasing the GATS project, including the development of standards and other initiatives for barley varietal testing and assessing visual defects in grain.

The forum also featured presentations from China and other APEC economies, covering topics such as grain storage, pest control, and grain storage policy.

GTA Welcomes New Wheat Protocol with Indonesia

Grain Trade Australia has welcomed the outcomes of recent discussions between the Australian and Indonesian governments, which have secured new trade opportunities and reinforced biosecurity cooperation.

A key outcome for the grain sector is the agreement on a wheat protocol, maintaining access for Australia’s largest export to Indonesia, worth $1.76 billion in FY23‑24, while providing assurance on Australia’s high biosecurity standards.

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy said the agreement is an important step in supporting continued market access for Australian grain.

“Indonesia is an important market for Australian wheat, and maintaining strong, stable access is essential for our industry,” Pat said. “These developments build on the positive relationships we see at AGIC Asia in Jakarta and AGIC in Melbourne, where Australian and Indonesian industry leaders engage enthusiastically on future opportunities.”

The broader trade package also included measures to expand agricultural exports, improve biosecurity collaboration, and support two‑way trade, which was valued at $5.5 billion in 2023‑24.

News in Brief

GTA Contributes to National Productivity Roundtable

On Tuesday, 12 August, GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy participated in an invitation‑only Roundtable hosted by The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in Brisbane.

The Roundtable focused on improving Australia’s productivity, with participants invited to share policy perspectives and practical solutions. GTA expressed its support for the Government’s focus on productivity in agriculture and proposed a number of policy and supply chain initiatives for consideration.

A Recap of Releases Since July’s Edition of Grain Matters

Revised Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice – Member Update 11 of 2025
Grain Trading Standards for 2025/26 – Member Update 12 of 2025
Chemical Usage Recommendations and Outturn Tolerances 2025/26 – Member Update 13 of 2025

Stay up to Date

Visit the News section of the GTA website for the latest updates on GTA activity, submissions, and industry developments.

GTA’s Training & Development - Semester 2

GTA offers a range of in‑person and online workshops designed to build knowledge across key areas of the grain industry. Full course details, including dates, duration, locations and pricing, are available on the GTA website.

Semester 2 workshop topics include:

Trade Rules & Contracts
Grain Merchandising
Grain Finance & Risk Management
Grain Standards & Classification
Grain Trading for Non-Traders.

Participants can choose face‑to‑face workshops in key regional and city locations or join live online via Zoom.

In August and September, workshops will be held in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and online, covering compliance, standards and trade rules.

This month’s program continues with:

20 August | Advisory & Compliance | Sydney & Zoom | Register here
21 August | Trade Rules & Contracts | Melbourne | Register here
20-21 August | Grain Trading Standards | Dubbo, NSW | Register here
26-27 August | Grain Trading for Non-Traders | Zoom | Register here
27-28 August | Grain Trading Standards | Horsham, VIC | Register here

Plan ahead for September’s workshops

3-4 September | Grain Merchandising | Melbourne | Register here
10 September | Trade Rules & Contracts | Zoom | Register here
24-25 September | Grain Trading Standards | Adelaide | Register here

Sharpen your skills and register today!

GTA’s Events

New Date Announced for GTA’s Advisory & Compliance Day

Grain Trade Australia’s Advisory & Compliance Day will now take place on Wednesday, 20 August.

Tailored for AFSL license holders, brokers, and advisors across the grain value chain, this annual event provides critical insights to support your role and keep your organisation aligned with best practice. Participants can attend in person or online.

Topics will include:

Compliance with legislation, taxation, insurance and staff payments
Recent arbitration outcomes and lessons learned
Navigating insolvencies
Managing reputational risk in a fast-moving industry
Sustainability expectations and reporting trends
And more.

Advisory & Compliance Day is a must‑attend for professionals seeking to stay ahead of regulatory developments and strengthen risk frameworks.

The full program and speaker line‑up will be announced soon. For more information and to register, visit the Advisory & Compliance Day page on the GTA website.

GTA Member Social Event in Perth

You’re invited to an evening of connection and conversation.

Join the GTA Board and Team on Tuesday, 30 September, for relaxed networking over drinks in the heart of Perth. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this is a great opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues in a social setting.

Location: The Stables Bar, 888 Hay Street, Perth
Time: 5.30-7.30pm

RSVP now to secure your place.

GTA Member News

Please be advised that the following companies are no longer GTA Members:

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