Grain Matters Edition 101 – October 2025

In This Issue

The Final Goyder’s Line

As I write this edition of Goyder’s Line, it will be my last before stepping down as Chair of the GTA Board at the upcoming AGM. Serving in this role has been a privilege, and I have greatly enjoyed sharing these updates with you, our members, while reflecting on the work GTA continues to deliver on behalf of the industry.

Over the years, Goyder’s Line has provided a space to highlight GTA’s advocacy, trade facilitation, and the many initiatives that strengthen confidence in Australian grain. What has always stood out to me, however, is the value of member engagement. Whether through your feedback, your participation in committees, or our conversations at member events, you play a central role in shaping GTA’s direction.

That was certainly the case at the recent Member Drinks in Perth, where it was a pleasure to connect with members in person and hear first-hand your perspectives on the issues that matter most. These opportunities for open dialogue are invaluable, and I encourage all members to continue making the most of them.

Looking ahead to the AGM, two Board positions are open for election – Ordinary Level B and Merchant Association. I strongly encourage members to participate in the voting process to ensure the Board continues to represent the breadth and diversity of our industry.

It has been an honour to serve as Chair. While this is my final Goyder’s Line, I remain confident that GTA will continue to advocate strongly for members, support trade, and uphold the framework that ensures Australian grain is held in such high regard worldwide.

Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA

Annual General Meeting 2025

 
 

Grain Trade Australia’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 is on Tuesday, 28 October at the Cliftons, L13, 60 Margaret Street, and via Zoom, starting at 9:30am AEDT.

To attend the GTA AGM 2025, please register here. Registrations close on Monday, 27 October at 5pm AEDT.

Information about GTA’s governance structure, including details of the election of directors, financial reports, and the GTA Constitution, is available on the Governance page.

Engaging with GTA Members Across Australia

Recent GTA activities have included member meetings with GIAV, GrainsNSW, and Queensland Agricultural Merchants (QAM), along with a member event in Perth, WA. These forums are a valuable way to connect with members, hear their perspectives, and ensure GTA activities continue to reflect the needs of the industry.

A consistent theme across discussions has been how industry priorities align with the Government’s productivity agenda. GTA is actively engaging in areas such as supply chain efficiency, sound policy settings, and opportunities to strengthen Australia’s role in global trade. This includes work on port and freight challenges, supporting industry-led self-regulation, and advocating for new technologies and sustainability initiatives.

By engaging at member events and in policy forums, GTA ensures member perspectives are represented while strengthening the industry’s voice with government and international stakeholders.

 

Strengthening Ties with China

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) has been invited to participate in the Australia–China Agri Trade Forum (ACATF), convened as an advisory body by the Australia-China Business Council (ACBC). The Forum brings together experts and industry leaders to exchange knowledge on agri-trade between Australia and China.

Its purpose is to provide leadership and strategic guidance to inform Australia–China agribusiness trade, while fostering collaboration between stakeholders. The Forum will also develop mid to long-term strategies for presentation to industry and government to strengthen Australia’s competitive edge in global agribusiness.

Participation will provide GTA with valuable advocacy opportunities and connections across both industry and government, supporting long-term engagement with one of Australia’s most significant markets.

 

Streamlining Technical Market Access

GTA has provided recommendations to DAFF on improving the Market Co-ordination Strategy, calling for greater transparency, stronger engagement, and a flexible pipeline approach to strengthen industry confidence. Read more

Advocating for Australian Grain on the Global Stage

As President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy will lead a series of advocacy outreach activities over the coming quarter. While carrying out his IGTC responsibilities, Pat will also be representing GTA members and advocating for the interests of the Australian grain industry in critical global forums.

These activities include seminars and meetings with senior stakeholders at the European Commission in Brussels, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.

The program provides an opportunity to highlight industry perspectives on the design of sustainability measures that are trade-facilitative, outcome-oriented, and consistent with WTO commitments. It also creates a platform for dialogue on how the multilateral trading system can contribute to sustainability objectives while preserving stable and predictable market access.

Sessions in Brussels will also focus on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Union Database (UDB) issues, matters of importance to Australia’s grain exporters.

These outreach activities will be supported by the Representative Missions and Embassies of IGTC member countries, including Australia. For GTA members, this work ensures that the Australian grain industry continues to have a strong voice in shaping international trade and sustainability frameworks.

Visual Recognition Standards Guide

As part of its role in facilitating trade, GTA’s Visual Recognition Standards Guide (VRSG) underpins certainty and consistency in grain assessment and grading at receival sites nationwide.

The guide features clear, high-quality photographs to help samplers and assessors identify defective grains, such as moulds and discolouration, as defined in the GTA and Australian Oilseeds Federation Standards.

The 2025 edition introduces new and more detailed images, developed through the combined efforts of GTA’s Technology Sub-Committee. GTA extends its thanks to GrainCorp for coordinating the preparation of the guide on behalf of the industry. Order your copy here

News in Brief

Code Online Training Program

The Code Online Training program demonstrates compliance and strengthens market access. It also gives employees the opportunity to demonstrate their accreditation and compliance with the Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice. Beyond building individual skills, the training highlights how the Code supports technical market access negotiations, providing practical examples of its role in meeting international standards.

GTA members are encouraged to appoint a Code Champion within their business to help embed best practice, strengthen internal compliance, and ensure the organisation continues to meet both domestic and export market expectations. 

Register here for this free training.

 

 

A Recap of Releases Since September’s Edition of Grain Matters 

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 - October & November

October marks the last chance this year to attend GTA’s training workshops. Enhance your knowledge, stay up to date with industry practices, and complete courses before 2026.

October’s workshops

  • 24 October | Grain Trading Standards | Zoom | Register here
  • 29-30 October | Grain Trading for Non-Traders | Zoom | Register here
  • 30 October | Grain Finance & Risk Management | Zoom | Register here

Full course details, including dates, duration and pricing, are available on the GTA website.


 

Navigating Trade Contracts Risk – NEW workshop – 6 November

Even small errors in grain contract execution can lead to costly disputes.

Geoff FarnsworthOn 6 November, via Zoom, join Geoff Farnsworth, Partner at Holding Redlich, for a half-day workshop, Navigating Trade Contracts Risk, designed to build confidence in managing contract risks. With over 25 years’ experience as a leading Australian transport and commodities lawyer and recognition in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide, Geoff will share practical insights drawn from real-world examples.

The workshop will explore:

• Common pitfalls in contract execution • How to identify and manage key risk areas
• Lessons from real contract disputes • Best-practice strategies to strengthen compliance

This course is ideal for traders, contract administrators, logistics personnel and commercial managers who want to sharpen their practical understanding of risk in contracts.

Sharpen your skills and register here today!

GTA’s Events

AGIC Asia 2026

GTA’s annual AGIC Asia conference returns – March 2026 in Vietnam and China. 

AGIC Asia is a key platform to connect with industry colleagues, strengthen relationships, and explore the value, safety, and reliability of Australian grain.

The event brings together Australian exporters with Asia’s leading flour and feed mill processors, consumers, and value chain service providers.

Mark your calendars: March 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai.

More details coming soon!

Australian Oilseeds Federation Forum – 1 week to go

It’s not too late to 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.

Limited spaces are available for this essential event for professionals across the oilseeds value chain! 

More details and registration is available here

GTA Member News

Please join us in welcoming the following new members who have recently joined Grain Trade Australia:

  • CHA Pacific
  • Tasman Agri

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

We also welcome Tylor and Brett Caddy as new owners of Jerilderie Grain Storage and Handling.

Please be advised that the following organisations are no longer GTA members:

AEGIC, Sunny Trading Group and Mirfak.

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

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