10 September 2025

Grain Matters Edition 100 – September 2025

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 showcase how GTA advocates for Australian grain at national and international levels.

Reaching this milestone is a testament to the value members place on staying informed and engaged on the issue that matters most to our industry. Over the years, Grain Matters has reinforced the strength of our self-regulatory framework, helping maintain the high regard for Australian grain worldwide.

Looking ahead, members have an opportunity to shape GTA’s direction and ensure our work reflects the needs of the industry. Two Director positions on the GTA Board are now open for election:

Ordinary Level B – one vacant Director position
Merchant Association – one vacant Director position

Details are available in Member Update No. 14 of 2025 – Election of Directors to the GTA Board.

Nominations are also open for the 2025/2026 GTA Technical Committees. These committees play an important role in providing expert input into the products and services that support and enable trade facilitation. Their contribution helps ensure GTA frameworks continue to reflect the contemporary commercial grain trading environment. For further details, please refer to Member Update No. 16 of 2025.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to be a part of the team that helps shape the future of GTA and the Australian grain industry.

Finally, I look forward to catching up with many of you at the Member Drinks in Perth on Tuesday, 30 September. This will be a great opportunity to connect, share insights, and spend time with GTA Board Directors and the team in a relaxed setting.

Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA

New Code Online Training Program Now Available

Grain Trade Australia has launched the free Code Online Training Program, designed to support the revised Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice. The Code plays a central role in ensuring the industry continues to meet the expectations of domestic and international customers and regulators. Delivered online, the self-paced program takes less than an hour to complete and finishes with a short assessment.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a Certificate of Completion, providing practical recognition of their understanding of the Code and its application in the grain supply chain.

As GTA members, you’re encouraged to nominate a dedicated Code Champion within your organisation to lead awareness and compliance in the Code. This will strengthen commitment to the industry standard and support the self-regulatory framework.

Exploring New Market Opportunities with ANMI

GTA will meet with Austrade through the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI) to explore opportunities for collaboration and leverage the expertise of GTA and its members. This engagement connects the grain sector to broader government programs, including the Agri-Business Expansion Initiative (ABEI), which is working to expand export opportunities, strengthen technical market access and build global competitiveness for Australian producers. Read more

Your Chance to Contribute to the Modernisation of Australia’s SEA FTA’s

Grain Trade Australia has received a grant to review the Southeast Asia Free Trade Agreement (SEA FTA), with a particular focus on the impacts on feedgrain markets. This work aligns with the Australian Government’s review of Australia’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in Southeast Asia, announced in February 2025.

The review seeks industry views on how the existing FTAs are working, opportunities to upgrade them, and priorities for modernisation to ensure they remain comprehensive and commercially meaningful for Australian businesses through to 2040.

Further information about the review can be found here. Submissions should be sent to FTAmodernisation@dfat.gov.au by 31 December 2025.

GTA appreciates the opportunity to work with DFAT and highlight the opportunities foreseen in SEA FTAs.

Preparing for Grain Imports: BIGMICC Workshop

GTA joined DAFF and industry representatives at the recent Canberra workshop on bulk grain and protein meal imports. The session highlighted the importance of early engagement to strengthen preparedness, improve supply chain resilience, and protect Australia’s biosecurity. Read more

GTA Highlights Grain’s Role in Low-Carbon Fuels

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) attended the Australia National Feedstock Roundtable, hosted by BioEnergy Australia in Canberra on 28 August.

Australia’s grain industry will be a crucial foundation in developing a low-carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) market in Australia. Creating significant opportunities to increase demand for Australian grain and oilseeds, attract investment, and add value across the supply chain and the broader economy.

GTA’s participation provided an opportunity to highlight the complexities of the grain industry and its supply chains to both the emerging LCLF sector and policymakers. This engagement is important to ensuring that policy settings capture the opportunities for the grain sector while facilitating efficient trade.

The Roundtable brought together experts, industry and government stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges for developing a sustainable LCLF market. A central theme of the discussions was the importance of getting policy settings right to provide clarity and certainty across the value chain, supporting long-term success in the sector. Congratulations are extended to BioEnergy Australia for successfully bringing together the Roundtable.

GTA Reviews NHVR Revised Master Code

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) and the GTA Transport Storage & Ports Committee have reviewed the Public Consultation Draft and are preparing a submission on the revised National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Master Code. This work underlines GTA’s commitment to improving safety outcomes in heavy vehicle transport.

The Master Code was first registered in November 2018 as a general code for use across the entire heavy vehicle industry. It provides authoritative guidance across the heavy vehicle industry to help parties meet their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). While it does not create new legal obligations or replace existing HVNL requirements, it offers practical guidance to help Chain of Responsibility (CoR) parties manage risks and comply with their duties. on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate controls, supporting the HVNL’s goal of eliminating or minimising risks to public safety. The HVNL applies across all Australian states and territories, except Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The NHVR has drafted updates to the Master Code to ensure it remains practical and relevant to current industry operations. Stakeholders with an interest in heavy vehicle safety are encouraged to provide feedback on the revised Draft. Submissions can be made directly to the NHVR by email to codes@nhvr.gov.au by Friday, 19 September.

GTA submissions

GTA makes submissions to the Government on a multitude of issues. GTA’s submissions are usually made public and can be found on the GTA website.

Courtney Draper Appointed AOF & Sustainability Manager at GTA

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is delighted to announce that Courtney Draper will join the organisation as AOF and Sustainability Manager, starting on Monday, 6 October.

In this role, Courtney will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) and manage initiatives under the Sustainable Grain Australia (SGA) program. She brings extensive senior executive experience across trade, market insights, and governance. Courtney holds a Master of International Relations, a Bachelor of Laws (Hons)/Bachelor of Arts (Politics/Japanese) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She is also a Board Member of the Grains and Legumes Nutrition Council and currently leads the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre as Executive General Manager.

Commenting on her new position, Courtney said: “I am very excited to be joining AOF at this strategically pivotal time in the organisation’s history. The future for the oilseeds industry is very positive, presenting opportunities for long-term growth from the nexus of increasingly discerning consumers, feed market growth and the global energy transition. I’m looking forward to drawing on my varied experience and knowledge to build AOF and Sustainable Grains Australia, together with the Board, and further develop the offering to members“.

Courtney has a strong professional and personal passion for the future of the Australian grains industry. She will be employed by GTA as part of the service agreement between AOF and GTA.

Applications Are STILL Open for 2025/26 Five Under 30 Program

GTA’s Five Under 30 program, the leadership development initiative for emerging grain professionals, is returning for 2025/26 and is now accepting applications. Read more

News in Brief

Fenitrothion Access Retained for Stored Grain

Following industry consultation, including a submission from NWPGP/GTA, the APVMA has reversed its decision to remove access to Fenitrothion for use in stored grain for insect control. GTA’s Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice played an important role in the submission, highlighting quality assurance practices that support the sector’s integrated pest management strategy. While approval for structural treatments has been withdrawn, the use of Fenitrothion on bulk-stored grain entering silos remains authorised.

Election of Directors to Grain Trade Australia Limited Board – 2025 AGM – Member Update No. 14 of 2025
2025/26 Location differentials for NSW, VIC & QLD – Member Update 15 of 2025
2025/2026 GTA Technical Committee Nominations – Member Update No. 16 of 2025
Feeding Australia Strategy – Consultation Response – GTA Submission

Stay up to Date

Visit the News section of the GTA website for the latest updates on GTA activity, submissions, and industry developments.

GTA’s Training & Development - September - November

GTA offers a range of in‑person and online workshops designed to build knowledge across key areas of the grain industry. Full course details, including dates, duration, locations and pricing, are available on the GTA website.

Participants can choose face‑to‑face workshops in Adelaide, Toowoomba and Sydney or join live online via Zoom.

September’s workshops

24-25 September | Grain Trading Standards | Adelaide | Register here

October’s workshops

14-15 October | Grain Trading Standards | Toowoomba | Register here
24 October | Grain Trading Standards | Zoom | Register here
29-30 October | Grain Trading for Non-Traders | Sydney & Zoom | Register here
30 October | Grain Finance & Risk Management | Sydney & Zoom | Register here

NEW workshop in November

6 November | Navigating Trade Contracts Risk | Zoom | Register here

Sharpen your skills and register today!

GTA’s Events

GTA Member Social Event in Perth

You’re invited to an evening of connection and conversation.

Join the GTA Board and Team on Tuesday, 30 September, for relaxed networking over drinks in the heart of Perth. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new ones, this is a great opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues in a social setting.

Location: The Stables Bar, 888 Hay Street, Perth Time: 5.30-7.30pm

RSVP here to secure your place.

Australian Oilseeds Federation Forum

Join AOF at their forum on Wednesday, 22 October – dedicated to the Australian oilseeds industry. A full-day event featuring expert insights from leading industry experts and discussions on key market trends, innovation, and opportunities.

The day’s program will be followed by an evening networking dinner, offering delegates the chance to connect and strengthen industry relationships in a relaxed setting.

Don’t miss this essential event for professionals across the oilseeds value chain!

GTA Member News

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to the following new members who have recently joined Grain Trade Australia:

Ballarat Grain I Harrold Pastoral

Australian Country Choice Feedlots I ICAP Futures.

We are pleased that these businesses have chosen to become part of GTA and contribute to GTA’s mission to facilitate trade.

Please email admin@graintrade.org.au with any member enquiries or ideas.

Please be advised that Bunge merged with Viterra, and AGE is now Ordinary Member B1 category.

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