Status Update

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is a member of the Grain and Plant Products Export Industry Consultative Committee (GPPEICC), representing the interests of GTA members.

The GPPEICC is the principal forum for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to consult with the grain, fodder, nuts, seed and timber industries on export inspection and certification, export market access and other relevant issues.

The most recent meeting was held on 14 October 2025 and issues of relevance to GTA members are outlined below.

Meeting Outcomes

DAFF Finance and Budget Issues

As notified to industry previously, DAFF have budgeted in 2024/25 an expense increase of over $4m from the previous year taking the total cost to the grain industry of $17.2m. Recent forecast actual expenditure is indicating a cost of $16.4m for 2024/25 and a net positive result (after considering forecast DAFF income from the provision of grain services) of $0.84m.

It is anticipated the existing expense increase and potentially additional expense may continue into the next financial year when the 2025/26 CRIS will be released. GTA have continued a focus on DAFF adequately explaining the increase in expenditure and to engage with industry. As per our last industry update, despite repeated requests, DAFF have not been able to adequately justify that increase. Despite those expenditure forecasts, the grain program is expecting an over-recovery of funds to be at $4.3m at the end of this financial year.

DAFF continue to review its cost recovery model and are developing new sustainable funding models under a Sustainable Funding Taskforce. Consultation on the new funding model was expected to occur in August 2025. This consultation has been delayed and is now anticipated to occur in January / February 2026. GTA will continue to engage and seek access to information to update and advise industry.

Debt from industry remains similar to the previous reporting period, with DAFF initiating debt recovery actions for some industry members.

Strategic and Operational Matters

Several DAFF agricultural in-market Counsellors attended the meeting and provided market updates and discussed opportunities for Australian grain. Discussion included commentary on the impact of the current global trade tariff imposts. GPPEICC also considered a proposed revised process for the development of potential new markets. Exporters seeking DAFF assistance with new markets are to work with Peak Bodies on the application.

As per previous reports, non-compliances identified during Export Registered Establishment audits continue to be related to:

• Incomplete record keeping
• Pest control
• Hygiene.

Recent DAFF audits of AOs revealed failures to comply with Work Instructions on a range of issues including pre and post grain inspection documentation requirements (e.g., completion of inspection records). DAFF focus on the recording of weed seeds by AOs has improved industry records.

DAFF audits continue to improve performance in those sectors of industry involved in recent non-compliances raised by export markets. Industry is encouraged to interact where appropriate with their appointed AOs and ensure required procedures are being followed at all times. This includes industry export members following the Industry Code of Practice Technical Guideline Document (TGD) No. 21 ensuring grain presented for AO inspection prior to loading has been assessed and meets the quarantine requirements of the importing country.

An update on the Industry Working Group seeking a practical outcome of post-loading fumigation of containers with methyl bromide and the Montreal Protocol 21-day time fumigation period pre-export was provided. To determine a plausible solution that is practical yet meets regulatory requirements, DAFF and GTA met prior to the GPPEICC to address and determine solutions, including a timeframe for implementation, of all concerns raised during deliberations on this topic. A further GTA / DAFF meeting will be required prior to engagement with industry.

GTA has executed a Deed with DAFF to finalise the Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard. While the Standard is now available and communication to industry will be ongoing to engender applications for accreditation under that Standard from industry.

Digital Reforms and IT System Issues

Steady progress continues to be made in the implementation and rollout of ePhyto with export market Governments. Delays to this process have occurred due to an error in reference material resulting from a missed update from the IPPC. This is being corrected, and progress is anticipated to increase in the next quarter. GTA re-affirmed our view that ePhyto has the ability to create significant benefits to industry and continued to seek DAFF place a priority on progress both now and in the near term.

DAFF reported they have implemented enhancements to PEMS including the introduction of a verification process shipping container identification numbers. This enhancement will address sone of the resubmission issues that plague the RFP process. Incomplete documentation, errors and resubmissions remain an area for improvement for industry. Correct documentation will assist DAFF to process RFPs and provide relevant documentation in the shortest time possible.

Work on the Micor system continues. DAFF continue to request feedback from industry on refinements to a new Micor system being developed as part of that process. Industry members wishing to provide input into enhancements of Micor are encouraged to contact DAFF.

DAFF is progressing the development of its replacement EXDOC IT system – NEXDOC – for the grain sector. GPPEICC has advised its implementation is expected for April / May 2026. Given the progress made DAFF will shortly commence engagement with third party service providers to ensure they are prepared to support their clients through the rollout of NEXDOC.

Further Information

Contact GTA to seek further information on any of the above issues. Further information on GPPEICC and its membership can be found here

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