Looking Ahead – AGIC 2025 and Industry Progress
It’s an exciting month as we approach AGIC 2025, my final conference as GTA Chair. This milestone offers a moment to reflect on the progress the industry has made during my tenure. One of the most important achievements has been the continued focus on improving productivity across the grain supply chain.
Productivity remains a national priority. Improving productivity across the Australian economy is critical for the country’s economy. I welcomed the recent announcement by the Albanese Government to convene a National Productivity Roundtable in August. GTA has written to Treasurer Jim Chalmers requesting a seat at the Roundtable and urging that the facilitation of trade and support for improving supply chain efficiency be prioritised in any future reforms.
GTA’s work doesn’t only focus on grain exports, we also work to improve the process of importing plant-based meal products and bulk grain from interstate and other origins during drought years. GTA, as part of a dedicated Working Group, has been collaborating with DAFF to streamline this complex process. As part of this work, DAFF will host a full-day workshop in Canberra on 27 August; details are available here.
Later this year will see the release of an updated version of the Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice. The Code is a cornerstone of our self-regulatory framework, setting us apart from international counterparts that rely heavily on government regulation. Over the years, several industries have approached GTA to better understand our integrated system of Trade Rules, Standards, Contracts, etc., to build similar structures to support confidence and efficiency in their own sectors. It’s encouraging to see other Australian sectors, such as dairy, establishing a Code.
Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA
