GTA and DAFF strengthen coordinated approach to export compliance and market access
In February, senior representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Grain Trade Australia met in Sydney to progress coordinated action on export compliance and market access settings affecting Australia’s grain industry. Discussions focused on quarantine compliance, sorghum market access and methyl bromide treatment requirements, reinforcing GTA’s role in representing exporters […]
GTA warns of supply chain disruption under proposed exposure limits
Australia’s grain sector has urged WorkSafe Victoria to halt proposed reductions to workplace exposure limits (WELs) for key fumigants, warning the changes could disrupt supply chains and threaten Australia’s export competitiveness. In a submission to WorkSafe Victoria’s Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), GTA said it supports strong worker safety protections but opposes adopting revised […]
Celebrating 35 years of GTA
In 2026, Grain Trade Australia marks 35 years since its establishment by industry, for industry. That founding principle continues to guide GTA today. Formed in 1991, GTA, formally known as the National Agricultural Commodities Marketing Association (NACMA), was established to create a self-regulatory framework that standardised grain trading standards, trade rules and contracts […]
Advocating for Australian grain in global trade policy
GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy has represented the Australian grain trade in key international policy forums, ensuring practical, science-based perspectives from the bulk grain supply chain inform global trade and regulatory discussions. In his role as President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), Pat spoke at the International Grains Council (IGC) during a […]
NHVR releases 2026 Master Code to support safer heavy vehicle operations
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released the 2026 Master Code, an industry-driven guide designed to support safer heavy vehicle operations and help parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) meet their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). Building on the 2018 Code, the 2026 update reflects two years of […]
Ensuring Clarity and Consistency for Australian Exporters in Global Grain Markets
For GTA members, predictable and transparent global markets are critical. This priority was reinforced when CEO Pat O’Shannassy presented to the AMIS Global Food Market Information Group meeting at WTO headquarters on 13–14 November, in his capacity as International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC) President, representing the global grain trade perspectives, including the interests of […]
Preparing for the IMO Net-Zero Framework
Exporters are encouraged to start familiarising themselves with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, a new, legally binding plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Approved by the IMO in April 2025, the framework will introduce a mandatory global fuel standard with declining GHG […]
Strengthening Industry–Government Alignment on Trade
GTA recently participated in a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) workshop on Market Co-ordination Strategy (MCS), which focuses on prioritising technical market access opportunities and improvements. The workshop brought together peak industry bodies to strengthen engagement with DAFF and share perspectives on improving processes. One of the key issues raised was […]
Goyder’s Line
100 editions strong – Grain Matters continues to share, connect, and champion our industry This edition marks a special milestone – the 100th issue of Grain Matters. For more than a decade, it has been a trusted way to share industry news, keep members connected to the issues shaping our industry and to […]
GTA Supports Industry Preparedness Through BIGMICC and DAFF Workshop
Grain Trade Australia (GTA) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) established the Bulk Imported Grain and Meal Industry Consultative Committee (BIGMICC) to formalise engagement between DAFF and the grain industry. The committee provides a forum to discuss arrangements for importing grain and protein meal into Australia, while safeguarding the nation’s biosecurity […]
