Status Update

Grain Trade Australia 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 19 February 2025 and issues of relevance to GTA members are outlined below.

Meeting Outcomes

DAFF Finance and Budget Issues
As outlined following the previous GPPEICC meeting, DAFF has budgeted in 2024/25 an expense increase of over $4m over the previous year. This increase will continue into the next financial year when the 2025/26 CRIS will be released. Despite numerous requests, DAFF has not justified that increase, with the grain program expecting an over-recovery of funds to be at $5.4m at the end of this financial year.

DAFF continue to develop new sustainable funding models. The details are not known at this stage, but based on current experience, expenses for the grain program are expected to increase.

GTA again reiterated the view that the underlying basis for all fees and charges allocated needed to be fully transparent, which they are not considered to be at present.

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

Strategic and Operational Matters

DAFF will shortly release bulk vessel instructional material for Authorised Officers (AO). GTA has provided feedback on revised Work Instructions which will outline specifics of those changes.

While the performance of many AOs continues to improve, there continues to be instances of AOs not performing to the required standard for a range of reasons. Industry again urged DAFF to sanction those repeat offenders and consider other options to improve practices given the important nature of those AO functions.

Industry and DAFF have developed a joint approach to follow-up recently received notifications of market feedback on expectations. This strategic approach will review all options to assist industry to meet expectations, and a Working Group has been formed to consider relevant items. As part of the solution GTA and DAFF recently held meetings in regional QLD and NSW at which various solutions and information was discussed to assist industry.

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

• Incomplete record keeping
• Pest control
• Hygiene.

As a standing agenda item, an updated list of market access matters being considered by industry (with DAFF assistance) for market maintenance, improvement and new market access was provided. There was significant discussion on relevant market topics and future meetings will address these matters to ensure industry priorities are attended to by DAFF through their trade negotiations with the relevant importing countries.

An update on the Industry Working Group seeking a positive, and practical outcome of post-loading fumigation of containers with methyl bromide was provided. Work continues, including discussion with industry and receiving feedback on solutions, from industry at the abovementioned QLD and NSW meetings.

GTA continues to work with DAFF on finalising the Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard. The focus has been the development of the rules of operation and communication mechanisms between GTA and DAFF. Communication with the industry on the requirements, benefits of adoption etc. ready for the expected release date of 1 July 2025 will commence shortly.

Digital Reforms and IT System Issues

While DAFF continues to integrate PEMS and NEXDOC, it appears NEXDOC will not be available for industry use until sometime in 2026.

e-Phyto development and provision of electronic certification continues to be progressed with various markets. Testing, and removal of paper certificates in parallel with electronic certificates that some markets require during the transition period, does rely on resources and a commitment of those markets, however significant progress has been made since the last GPPEICC meeting.

The revision of the Micor platform continues. DAFF will shortly seek industry nominations to assist in providing input into the revised program.

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

Download the Market Notification – Notice 1 of 2025 here