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 and partnering with government on a consistent, strategic trade approach.
Quarantine compliance
Discussion examined the root causes of recent quarantine compliance issues in importing countries, including weed seeds and pests.
It was agreed engagement with grower groups, exporters, registered establishments and authorised officers is required to support practical improvements, aligned to DAFF regulatory and diplomatic actions.
Agreed areas of coordination include:
- DAFF engagement with importing country governments to clarify technical pathways and seek pest detection data
- Enhanced data analysis to identify pest pressure hotspots allowing a targeted response
- Strengthened audit activity and regional assurance engagement
- GTA will pursue research opportunities, expanding agronomic engagement, and reinforcing sampling requirements under Technical Guideline Document 21.
Priority pests and high-risk regions will be identified, and mitigation programs will be planned and implemented at regional forums, with actions and updates discussed through a government/industry committee.
Sorghum Market Access
The meeting also considered options to strengthen Australia’s sorghum trade. GTA highlighted member interest in improving commercial flexibility, and DAFF committed to assessing importing countries’ appetite for refinements to existing conditions.
While broader pest risk assessment processes remain ongoing, there may be scope for incremental adjustments that support trade continuity without compromising importing country requirements.
Methyl bromide Fumigation
Discussions addressed proposed changes to quarantine pre-shipment (QPS) methyl bromide timing and regulatory fumigation requirements. DAFF outlined a proposal to reduce the allowable QPS period from 120 days to 60 days. GTA conveyed member feedback regarding shipment delays, fumigation frequency and maximum residue limit compliance across domestic and export markets. DAFF is committed to providing a clear technical rationale and working with GTA on implementation.
The parties reaffirmed that importing country requirements must be met prior to export assessment, consistent with the Export Control Act 2020 and international phytosanitary standards – this includes grain being fumigated prior to export inspection. It was acknowledged a phased transition for establishments requiring infrastructure adjustments will be provided.
It was agreed the meeting was constructive establishing a clear action list. Through structured engagement with DAFF, GTA will continue to represent member interests on market access and compliance. This coordinated approach supports practical regulatory outcomes, protects commercial flexibility and helps members maintain reliable access to international markets.
