12 August 2026

Grain Matters Edition 110 – August 2026

Thank you and farewell

After nearly eight years with Grain Trade Australia, Julia Love is embarking on an exciting new chapter.

Over the years, many of you will have engaged with Julia on a wide range of enquiries, including Trading Standards and Contracts, training, sponsorship, AGIC and AGIC Asia, and many other aspects of GTA’s work. Julia has been a valued point of contact for members and industry stakeholders, always bringing professionalism, knowledge and a genuine commitment to supporting the grain industry.

During her time at GTA, Julia was instrumental in bringing the Five Under 30 program to life, helping to create opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. She also played a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of AGIC, AGIC Asia and the National Working Party on Grain Protection (NWPGP) Conference. As the driving force behind GTA’s new website, Julia helped deliver a modern digital platform that has enhanced the way members and industry stakeholders connect with GTA.

Julia’s dedication and contribution have left a lasting mark on the organisation. On behalf of the GTA Board, Members and the GTA team, we sincerely thank Julia for her tireless work, commitment and innovations she brought to GTA over the past eight years and wish her every success in her new role.

Julia’s last day with GTA is Friday, 28 August.

AGIC Australia 2026 explores the future of the grain industry

700 delegates gathered in Melbourne for AGIC 2026 to examine the global trends, market forces and industry challenges shaping Australia’s grain sector. From trade and food security to global markets and resilience, the conference brought together leading experts and industry leaders to explore the opportunities ahead.

Read the full AGIC Australia 2026 conference wrap.

GSAMS Scheme launched to strengthen grain storage assurance

The Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard (GSAMS) Scheme was officially launched at AGIC 2026 by the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Developed by Grain Trade Australia (GTA) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), GSAMS provides a new voluntary pathway to strengthen Australia’s grain storage and quality assurance framework.
Aligned with GTA’s Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice, the Scheme provides a consistent approach to grain storage and management across the domestic and export supply chain, supporting confidence in grain quality, food safety and phytosanitary outcomes.

Available from 1 July 2026, GSAMS provides industry participants, including export Registered Establishments and domestic operators, with an alternative pathway to demonstrate compliance with importing-country and export requirements while maintaining existing regulatory assurance standards.

GTA will deliver and administer GSAMS on behalf of industry, with DAFF providing oversight to support Australia’s ongoing international trade obligations.

Information on the Scheme is available on the GTA website

Inaugural AGIC Week strengthens international engagement

AGIC 2026 marked the inaugural AGIC Week, expanding the conference with an international program designed to strengthen trade relationships and showcase Australia’s grains, pulses and oilseeds industry. Discover how delegates from across the Asia-Pacific connected through technical visits, business matching and industry engagement.

2026-27 GTA Trading Standards

The 2026-27 Grain Trading Standards are available on the GTA website.

The Grain Trading Standards are developed through industry consultation, outline the quality parameters and requirements for Australian grain and are reviewed annually to ensure they remain relevant, practical and current.

GTA Members are encouraged to review the updated Grain Trading Standards in detail to ensure they are aware of the requirements and any changes before the new season.

Access the 2026-27 GTA Trading Standards here

New Grain Trading Standards Application

GTA has also released a new Grain Trading Standards Application, an offline field reference designed to support grain traders, receival staff and quality managers in their day-to-day work.

The application replaces the previous login-based standards website and can be accessed on a phone or desktop, both online and offline. It provides quick access to information when assessing grain, including grade limits, grade comparisons, defect photographs and the grade calculator.

The application can be used to:

Look up the limits for a grade while a load is being assessed
Decide which grade a sample achieves, and understand why it misses a higher one
Compare grades to see only the limits that differ between them
Identify a defect against the official photographs
Download a chart as a spreadsheet for use in contracts, training or internal systems.

The application covers cereals, pulses, legumes, and oilseeds, with information sourced from the relevant 2026–27 GTA standards and supporting reference materials.

Key features include Grade Specifications, Compare Grades, Grade Calculator, Bin Grade Cascade, Variety Master List, Defect Photographs and Reference Guide.

The application is a progressive web application that runs in any modern browser and can be installed on a phone home screen. Once the application has been accessed for the first time, its service worker stores the application and photographs on the device, allowing it to be used offline without reception.

Access the Grain Trading Standards Application here

Malcolm Finlayson awarded GTA Life Membership

GTA proudly recognised Malcolm Finlayson with Life Membership at the AGIC Gala Dinner, sponsored by CBH Group during AGIC 2026.

Life Membership is the highest honour bestowed by GTA and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and enduring contribution to GTA.

Throughout his career, Malcolm has played a significant role in advancing Australia’s grain sector, contributing his expertise, leadership and commitment across many areas of the industry. His longstanding involvement with GTA has helped strengthen the organisation and support the continued development of Australia’s industry-led framework for grain trade.

Presenting the award, GTA acknowledged Malcolm’s dedication to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and supporting initiatives that have delivered lasting benefits for industry participants and Australia’s reputation as a trusted supplier of grain to global markets.

The presentation was met with warm applause from delegates, who recognised Malcolm’s significant contribution and commitment to the Australian grain industry.

On behalf of the GTA Board, Members and the wider grain industry, we congratulate Malcolm on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his outstanding service to Grain Trade Australia and the Australian grain industry.

News in Brief

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

GTA Trading Standards for 2026/27 – Member Update No. 14 of 2026
Applications open for GTA’s Five Under 30 program Member Update No. 15 of 2026
GTA and DAFF partner to deliver new grain storage standard for industry – GTA Media Release
GTA welcomes WorkSafe Victoria’s move to delay new phosphine exposure limits – GTA Media Release
Response to Wheat Port Review and Exposure Draft Competition and Consumer (Industry Code – Bulk Wheat) Regulations 2026 – GTA Submission
Oman: Cargo palletisation requirements – GTA Market Notification

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

Build Skill. Strengthen Capability with GTA Workshops

GTA’s August and September Training & Development Program offers practical, industry-focused training for people at every stage of their grain industry career. Whether you’re new to the industry, working in grain trade classification, an experienced grain merchant or a grain producer, there are opportunities to build knowledge and strengthen skills relevant to your role. With workshops taking place in Melbourne, Horsham, Dubbo, Perth and Adelaide, as well as online, you can choose the training that best fits your needs and location.

GTA Members receive special member pricing, with a further 10% group discount available when three or more people from the same organisation attend.

August’s workshops

19-20 August I Grain Trading Standards I Dubbo I Learn more

26-27 August I Grain Trading for Non-Traders I Zoom I Learn more

26-27 August I Grain Trading Standards I Horsham I Learn more

September’s workshops

1-2 September I Grain Merchandising I Melbourne I Learn more

10 September I Trade Rules & Contracts I Zoom I Learn more

16-17 September I Grain Trading Standards I Adelaide I Learn more

29-30 September I Grain Trading Standards I Perth I Learn more

GTA Member News

Please be advised that Lotema is no longer a GTA Member.

GTA Events

GTA’s 35th Anniversary

This October, Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is celebrating 35 years of facilitating trade by hosting a Gala Dinner on Wednesday, 28 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

The landmark evening brings together Members, industry leaders, and long-standing supporters to mark a significant milestone for the Australian grain industry. We will recognise the collective contributions of members, committees, volunteers, and partners who shaped GTA into a trusted voice.

Join us to reconnect with colleagues and reflect on shared achievements that strengthened the grain supply chain network.

Be part of the celebrations with sponsorship opportunities now open. Download the prospectus for details.

Registrations are open

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