10 November 2025

Grain Matters Edition 102 – November 2025

Ole Houe Appointed New GTA Chair as Board for 2025–2026 Announced

Ole Houe has been appointed Chair of Grain Trade Australia (GTA), following Andrew’s retirement at the AGM on Tuesday, 28 October. Ole will provide strong leadership and guidance to continue advancing member interests, supporting trade facilitation, and representing the Australian grain industry.

GTA also welcomes Andy Cunliffe as an Ordinary Level B Board member and congratulates Matt Kelly on his re-election as Merchant Association Board member. Directors with Special Qualifications for the 2025–2026 year include Ole Houe (Chair), Geoff Farnsworth (Legal), and Simon Tickner (Production).

These appointments ensure continuity of leadership and a strong focus on delivering value to members while supporting industry growth.

Members can read Member Update No. 23 of 2025 for further details on the Board appointments and Board Committees for the year ahead.

GTA Grain Industry Technology Stewardship Framework

Global advances in plant breeding innovation, most recently, genome editing (GE) technologies, have the potential to deliver significant benefits for the grains and broader agricultural industries.

For Australia, as a leading grain exporter, these developments offer opportunities to enhance crop value and competitiveness, while also raising important considerations around market access and regulation.

GE could accelerate the development of new grain varieties with traits such as improved yields, drought and heat tolerance, nutritional profiles and disease resistance.

GTA is assessing the market, regulatory and supply chain implications of a potential GE wheat variety that may be released in Australia within the next few years. This work is being conducted as part of the GTA Grain Industry Technology Stewardship Framework, ensuring that any new technologies are introduced responsibly, with due consideration for trade and market access risks.

As the review progresses, GTA will engage with members to share insights, gather feedback and ensure the industry is prepared to respond to new opportunities and challenges presented by these emerging technologies.

Supporting the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

GTA’s Five Under 30 program continues to help shape the future of the Australian grain industry by connecting young professionals with industry leaders and building the confidence needed to take on leadership roles.

The 2024/25 participants recently completed the program, highlighting how the experience expanded their professional connections, encouraged direct engagement with industry leaders and fostered collaboration across the value chain.

As the new 2025/26 cohort begins their journey, participants will continue to benefit from mentorship, exposure to strategic discussions and opportunities to contribute to the industry’s future direction. Read the media release to find out more about the next cohort.

By fostering early-career professionals, Five Under 30 helps ensure the next generation of leaders are equipped to support a strong, connected and confident grain industry.

Improving Export Market Development Support

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) has submitted to the Government’s Independent Review of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, recognising its vital role in helping small and medium enterprises and industry bodies access and expand international markets.

While GTA welcomed improvements such as larger grant sizes, stronger stakeholder consultation, and continued support for export development, several policy changes have reduced the program’s effectiveness and increased administrative burden.

GTA also raised concern about restrictions on claims for members with turnover above $20 million and the requirement that activities be “new,” which overlooks the realities of the grain export sector and penalises proven initiatives such as AGIC Asia.

GTA has recommended reinstating flexibility for precompetitive activities, accepting legitimate prepayments, removing restrictive airfare and “new activity” rules, and restoring sensible reporting timelines. These changes would not increase program costs but would improve transparency, efficiency, and the program’s capacity to deliver meaningful export outcomes for the Australian grain industry.

Read GTA’s submission here to see how members’ interests are being represented in this important review.

The National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy

The development of Australia’s bioenergy sector presents new opportunities for the grains industry. Increased domestic demand for oilseeds and other feedstocks from low-carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) production could create additional market pathways and strengthen local and national trade.

GTA supports the development of the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, recognising the potential benefits for sustainable fuel production and the wider economy. However, this Government strategy must also ensure policy does not influence market signals.

GTA’s submission emphasises that any new bioenergy facilities must have equal, not preferential, access to existing grain markets.

Read GTA’s full submission for more details on how the grain industry’s interests are being represented.

Industry Roundtable Explores Opportunities in a Softening Market

GTA was pleased to join industry leaders and members at the roundtable discussion ‘Opportunities & Challenges in a Softening Market’ on 29 October.

Hosted by HFW and held at Grant Thornton’s Sydney offices, the event brought together more than 30 participants to explore current trends and opportunities across the grain value chain.

ANZ’s Michael Whitehead (pictured) opened with an economic overview of Australian agriculture and investment sentiment. GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy discussed the intersections of policy, politics and global food security, highlighting the policy settings and actions needed to strengthen the productivity and competitiveness of the Australian grain supply chain – from reducing regulatory burdens and supporting rules-based, evidence-driven trade frameworks to improving logistics efficiency and leveraging low-carbon opportunities.

GTA’s participation in forums like this helps ensure members’ perspectives are part of key industry discussions shaping the future of Australian grain.

Thank you to HFW, Grant Thornton and TT Club for hosting an engaging and valuable conversation.

News in Brief

Preparing for the IMO Net-Zero Framework

New global regulations are set to change how international shipping manages greenhouse gas emissions. GTA is monitoring developments and helping members understand what the International Maritime Organisation’s Net-Zero Framework means for grain exports and supply chain competitiveness. Read more here

Visual Recognition Standards Guide

The Visual Recognition Standards Guide 2025 edition, introduces new and more detailed images, developed through the combined efforts of GTA’s Technology Sub-Committee. GTA extends its thanks to GrainCorp for coordinating the preparation of the guide on behalf of the industry. Order your copy here

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

GTA Location Differentials – WA 2025/26 Consultation – Member Update No. 22 of 2025
GTA Board Appointments 2025-2026 – Member Update No. 23 of 2025
GTA Location Differentials – WA 2025/26 – Member Update No. 24 of 2025
Emerging Grain Industry Leaders Graduate from GTA’s Five Under 30 Program – Media Release
Grain Trade Australia Announces New Chair – Media Release
GTA Announces 2025/26 Five Under 30 Cohort, Showcasing Emerging Industry Leaders – Media Release
Support for Canola Trade to Pakistan – Media Release
The National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy – GTA Submission

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 Events

Early Bird Registration Now Open for NWPGP 2026

The Australian Grain Storage and Protection Conference returns on 17–18 June 2026 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Join industry leaders, regulators, researchers and commercial experts for two days of insights, innovation and practical discussion on grain storage and protection.

Early Bird rates are now available – register today to secure your place.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NWPGP 2026 offers the ideal platform to position your brand in front of senior decision-makers across the grains industry. Download the Conference Prospectus to explore opportunities for visibility and engagement.

Exclusive Accommodation Rates

Delegates can take advantage of special accommodation rates at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Book early to secure this offer.

Save the Date – AGIC Australia 2026

Australia’s premier grains industry conference returns to Melbourne on 29–30 July 2026 at the Crown Promenade.

Join industry leaders, policymakers and global experts for two days of insight, networking and discussion on the trends shaping the future of grain trade.

Mark your calendar – registration details coming soon.

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