10 June 2026

Grain Matters Edition 108 – June 2026

New Technical Guideline Document supports grain cargo compliance

Grain Trade Australia released a new Technical Guideline Document (TGD) No.24 Grain Preparation Plan (GPP), to support industry in strengthening compliance across the grain cargo accumulation and outturn process.

TGD No. 24 reinforces the importance of ensuring grain is only accumulated for shipment when it is known to meet all market requirements, including contract, customer specifications and importing country regulations.

The Guidelines are a structured and documented approach to identifying requirements, understanding grain status, supporting stock selection decisions and demonstrating compliance before outturn.

The GPP framework aligns with existing obligations under the Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice and regulatory oversight by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Members involved in grain storage, handling, marketing and export are encouraged to review Member Update No. 12 of 2026 and the new Guidelines.

Bulk grain imports readiness assessment underway

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is contributing to a new assessment of Australia’s readiness to import bulk grain during periods of drought or domestic supply shortages. GTA is involved through its role as a founding member of the Bulk Imports of Grain & Meals Industry Consultative Committee (BIGMICC).

A key objective of BIGMICC is to improve the efficiency of Australia’s bulk grain and meal import process. This includes reducing complexity, streamlining regulatory pathways and supporting timely imports when required.

To support this objective, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has engaged a contractor to undertake a comprehensive assessment of Australia’s grain import capability.

The project will examine industry infrastructure, supply chain capability, regulatory requirements and preparedness across the bulk grain import pathway. It will also identify opportunities to strengthen future readiness and improve the feasibility of bulk grain imports when needed.

The project team has started work and will engage with stakeholders over the coming months. As the representative body for Australia’s grain trade, GTA will continue to support industry engagement throughout the assessment. Selected GTA Members may be contacted to provide insights on current capabilities and operational considerations.

GTA welcomes feedback from Members who wish to share their perspectives on bulk grain import preparedness.

Export Conformance Seminar and Networking Drinks in Dubbo

GTA Members recently gathered in Dubbo for the Export Conformance Seminar and Networking Drinks, bringing together industry representatives to discuss key issues affecting export conformance and the broader supply chain.

The seminar provided Members with timely updates and discussion on current operational and compliance matters, with a focus on their practical implications for export activity.

Following the seminar, attendees joined GTA Board members and the GTA team for Networking Drinks. The informal setting provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships across the sector and connect with industry colleagues.

AGIC expands with launch of AGIC Week

AGIC will expand in 2026 with the launch of AGIC Week, a new five-day program that will run from 27-31 July alongside AGIC Australia in Melbourne.

The expanded format will bring together Australian and international grain industry participants through conference sessions, networking events, industry visits and international delegate activities.

Supported by the Austrade Accessing New Markets Initiative, the three International Delegate Days during AGIC Week will provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with key grain markets in Asia and showcase Australia’s grain export capability and supply chain.

Further information and tickets are available via the AGIC website.

GTA takes Member priorities to Canberra

In May, GTA Chair Ole Houe and CEO Pat O’Shannassy visited Canberra for a series of meetings with Federal Ministers, advisers, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and Department of Transport and Infrastructure advocating on key issues affecting GTA Members.

A key focus was the reduction in phosphine Workplace Exposure Limits. Discussions with the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, highlighted industry concerns and the practical challenges facing the grain supply chain because of the revised limits. Minister Collins acknowledged the significance of the issue, noting it is largely a state jurisdictional matter, while indicating support where possible. Advisers from the office of the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations also requested to be kept informed and indicated they would assist where possible.

Fuel and fertiliser issues were also raised, with recognition of the Government’s proactive approach. GTA highlighted the impacts of the Middle East crisis and the importance of fuel availability for grain movement, processing and feeding, reinforcing the link between energy policy and food security.

Meetings with staff from Transport and Infrastructure Minister Madeleine King’s office and the Department of Transport, including Deputy Secretary Rachel Parry, focused on land-side charges for container exporters, coastal shipping and broader supply chain considerations. GTA reiterated its position on landside charges, consistent with GTA’s media release.

Further discussions with DAFF covered biotechnology regulation, regulatory inconsistency, and international trade and market access issues. DAFF encouraged ongoing engagement between industry, government and multilateral institutions.

These meetings demonstrate GTA’s ongoing and active advocacy on behalf of Members, ensuring industry priorities are represented directly to government across key policy areas.

GTA continues advocacy on phosphine Workplace Exposure Limits

GTA continues to advocate for Members on the implementation of revised phosphine Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs), engaging with government and regulators on practical compliance pathways for the grain sector.

GTA has also written to the Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, outlining key industry concerns and implementation issues.

Read the latest update

News in Brief

A recap of the release since May’s edition of Grain Matters

AGIC expands to launch inaugural AGIC Week in 2026 – GTA Media Release
GTA Submission – Letter to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations – seeking a deferral of implementation of the phosphine Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) – GTA Submission

Letter to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – requesting support for a deferral of implementation of the phosphine Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) – 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 Training & Development

Finish Semester 1 strong with GTA Training

June’s workshop is the final training opportunity for the semester, providing a valuable chance to strengthen your industry knowledge and skills. Stay tuned for details of GTA’s Semester 2 training program, coming soon.

June’s workshop

24-25 June I Grain Trading for Non-Traders I Melbourne I Register here

July’s workshops

9 July I Navigating Trade Contracts Risk I Zoom I Register here

Advisory & Compliance Day

28 July I Crown Promenade Melbourne & via Zoom I Learn more

Designed for AFSL holders, brokers and advisors, the event will provide practical insights into compliance, risk management and emerging issues affecting the grain industry. Topics include compliance 2026 developments, disputes trends, educational requirements and AI use and more.

Registrations are now open.

GTA's Events

AGIC 2026 – Program now live

The grain industry will come together in Melbourne this July (29-30) for AGIC Australia 2026. Two full days of conference sessions at Crown Promenade, alongside a program of industry networking events.

The 2026 program is now live, with a schedule designed to support engagement across trade, market access and industry priorities, while connecting domestic and international stakeholders.

A range of featured networking events will once again form part of the program, including the Welcome Reception sponsored by the Port of Melbourne, HFW Women in Grains Networking Breakfast, Young Professionals Networking Event hosted by Five Under 30 and sponsored by GrainGrowers and the AGIC Gala Dinner, proudly supported by CBH Group.

Early Bird pricing and flexible ticket options are available.

Young Professionals Event

The Young Professionals Event, hosted by GTA’s Five Under 30 program, will bring together early-career professionals from across the Australian grain industry for an opportunity to connect with industry leaders and decision-makers.

The event, sponsored by GrainGrowers and designed for professionals aged 30 and under, provides informal access to CEOs, Chairs, Senior Managers and other key representatives from across the sector.

Tuesday, 28 July, 5.30–7.30pm
KINGPIN, Crown Entertainment Complex

This is a free event, with RSVPs essential. Please use the registration code provided to secure your place.

GTA turns 35

Celebrate with GTA this October at a Gala Dinner in Sydney, bringing Members and industry participants together to mark 35 years of industry leadership.

The evening will recognise the collective contribution of Members, committees and volunteers who have supported the development of a trusted and efficient grain trading environment over the past 35 years.

Event details

Wednesday, 28 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

Registrations are open

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