The Australian grain industry met in Melbourne on 17-18 June for the 53rd Australian Grain Storage & Protection Conference. Hosted by Grain Trade Australia (GTA), the conference brought together industry leaders, researchers, regulators and supply chain participants.

The conference marked the final session chaired by NWPGP Chair Gerard McMullen. He is stepping down after 10 years in the role.

Key themes included the current and many emerging challenges in markets and the importance of grain protection, storage management and chemical regulation and use in maintaining domestic and international access.

Opening the conference, GTA Chair Ole Houe reinforced the importance of maintaining the reputation of Australian grain through the continued strong quality assurance systems and industry collaboration.

“Product integrity, confidence and reputation remain central to the value of Australian grain,” Ole Houe said. “The NWPGP Conference supports these outcomes through industry collaboration and shared knowledge.”

NWPGP Chair Gerard McMullen said the conference remains an important industry forum.

“The NWPGP Conference supports the vital role of science and stewardship across the supply chain. This helps enhance the global reputation of Australian grain as a high-quality, safe product,” Gerard McMullen said.

More than 35 speakers delivered presentations across the two-day program. Key topics included an update on Australia’s chemical review, industry management of revised Workplace Exposure Limits for grain fumigants, export-market pre-shipment quarantine treatments, and the ongoing challenges and need for compliance with the insect resistance management strategy.

Delegates discussed ongoing research and extension activities, covering grain protectant usages, fumigation requirements and the use of technology & digital transformation.

Live polling during the conference showed that, over the past year, delegates saw an increase in insect pressure. Sixty percent of organisations represented at the conference identified reliance on protectants as a critical part of pest prevention and management. The poll results also showed strong industry support for the use of alternative fumigants, provided more information about these options was available.

Given market sensitivities to chemicals and ongoing reviews of available chemicals, the conference reinforced the importance of the role of integrated pest management, including hygiene, in maintaining grain quality.

The conference concluded with recognition of Gerard McMullen’s outstanding contribution to the Australian grain industry as he stepped down as Chair of the National Working Party on Grain Protection after 10 years in the role. Delegates acknowledged and expressed their sincere appreciation for Gerard’s leadership, dedication and contributions to both the NWPGP and the broader grain industry over many years.

Gerard was presented with a commemorative trophy in recognition of his leadership of the NWPGP and his longstanding commitment to grain quality assurance and stewardship.

The presentation also acknowledged Gerard’s imminent retirement from the grain industry, which will bring to a close a long and respected career focused on improving industry efficiency through advancing grain quality systems, supporting market access and strengthening the integrity of Australia’s grain supply chain.

Gerard thanked industry participants for their ongoing support of the NWPGP and acknowledged the collaborative approach that has underpinned the industry’s ability to meet customer and market requirements.

The Chair of NWPGP is supported by Grain Trade Australia and funded by Grains Australia Limited.

Media Contact:
Gerard McMullen
NWPGP Chair
Tel: 0419 156 065