As 2025 draws to a close, I extend my thanks to GTA members and colleagues across the grain industry for your engagement and support throughout the year.
This year saw strong participation in GTA’s programs and initiatives. The release of GTA’s revised Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice and the high uptake of the free online training module reflect the industry’s commitment to standards and continuous improvement. We also saw record attendance at both NWPGP and AGIC Asia, underscoring the value of shared technical insight, market intelligence and collaboration across the supply chain.
As we plan for 2026, GTA is seeking member feedback through our Member Survey. Your input will play an important role in shaping our priorities for the year ahead and beyond. By completing the survey, you will be entered into a draw to win one of three AGIC Australia 2026 tickets.
Thank you again for your contribution to a safe, resilient and competitive grain industry. I wish you, your teams and your families a safe and restful festive season.
Start the new year by equipping your staff with the skills and confidence they need through GTA’s Semester 1, 2026 Training & Development Program. Whether onboarding new starters, supporting staff stepping into broader responsibilities, or refreshing the skills of experienced employees, GTA’s foundational workshops deliver practical, industry-focused learning that can be applied immediately.
The program strengthens the capability that underpins a consistent, professional and globally competitive grain industry, with sessions delivered by experienced practitioners across key commercial, technical and operational areas.
GTA members receive special pricing across the full program, ensuring high-value development for your organisation.
Why Participate?
Explore the Semester 1 schedule and set yourself and your team up for a strong start to 2026.
Grain Trade Australia congratulates CEO Pat O’Shannassy on his appointment to the newly-created National Food Council, an advisory body designed to safeguard and future-proof Australia’s food chains as the world faces increasing volatility.
Pat’s appointment ensures the grain value chain is strongly represented in national discussions on food security, supply chain resilience, and future policy settings, strengthening GTA members’ ability to advocate for a robust, rules-based, and internationally competitive grain industry.
The Council brings together 11 inaugural members, selected from around 200 applicants, representing producers, processors, researchers, and supply chain specialists across Australia’s food system. Their collective expertise will help shape long-term strategies to support a reliable, safe, and sustainable food supply.
As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, MP, noted: “Feeding Australia, and the advice from our National Food Council, will enable us to find the way ahead to greater food security across our supply chains, no matter what the future brings.”
For GTA members, Pat’s role on the Council means your interests and perspectives are directly represented at the national level, helping to influence policies that affect market access, trade resilience, and the competitiveness of Australian grain.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s online Export Service, launched in 2022, is progressing forward to provide a single sign-in experience for users accessing DAFF Export Systems. Designed as a central entry point, the platform enables users to sign in once and access multiple DAFF services as needed, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burden.
Since its release, the Export Service has delivered significant improvements in traceability and operational management. Registered export establishment operators can now manage their export activities online, assign roles, and delegate access to staff, streamlining tasks that were previously handled through manual forms and emails. Users can also view audit information, including non-compliance records, within the platform.
From 2026, the Export Service will expand to include additional export systems such as the Next Export Document System (NEXDOC), the Plant Export Management System (PEMS), and a new capability to view and pay invoices.
In preparation for this transition, exporters are encouraged to register in the Export Service as soon as practical and ensure their contact details are up to date wherever they interact with the department.
Support materials and step-by-step guidance are available on the Export Service Help webpage to assist users in creating and managing their accounts.
GTA is working closely with DAFF and industry participants following recent changes to Nepal’s phytosanitary import conditions for canola seed for processing. These updates have added three new quarantine pests of concern that are common in most countries. This is a routine part of international trade, where importing countries periodically adjust their requirements.
DAFF, GTA and industry are considering these new requirements as DAFF is unable to approve new phytosanitary certificates for canola to Nepal until further clarification is received. DAFF has approached Nepal through the Agricultural Counsellor network to understand the intent of the revised conditions, to outline the implications for Australian exporters and to seek Nepal’s agreement to continue trading under the previous conditions while Australia and Nepal work through this issue.
GTA continues to support DAFF in this process. Our position remains that import conditions should be practical, science-based and negotiated in a way that supports predictable trade. GTA will keep members informed as discussions progress and as more certainty becomes available.
GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy attended and presented at the AMIS Global Food Market Information Group at WTO headquarters in November.
This engagement ensures GTA members benefit from transparent, rules-based markets, supporting confidence and competitiveness across the grain sector. Read more
GTA’s involvement in the Australia–China AgriTrade Forum (ACATF) ensures the grain sector’s priorities are heard as national industry leaders engage with government on Australia’s relationship with China.
At its recent meeting in Canberra, ACATF met with the Hon. Julie Collins MP to discuss restoring Australia’s agricultural soft power, improving diplomatic engagement and supporting exporters facing ongoing uncertainty, including FIRB processes and mixed investment signals.
The Minister reaffirmed that Australia’s trusted systems, sustainability credentials and food integrity remain highly valued in China. Discussions also explored opportunities to promote Australia’s traceability, biosecurity and verification systems as national strengths, while addressing non-tariff issues and progressing market access matters.
These conversations support the conditions that underpin confidence and long-term competitiveness for GTA members in a key export market.
Recent announcements by Patrick, DP World, Flinders and VICT confirm significant increases to Terminal Access Charges (TACs) and other landside fees across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, effective from 1 January 2026. While the 60-day notice period meets the National Voluntary Guidelines for Landside Charges, the scale of the increases – mostly between 5% and 15%, and up to 45% at DP World Fremantle – again raises concerns about the lack of transparency and oversight in port pricing.
From a GTA perspective, all charges across the supply chain, including landside and container park fees, should align with contractual relationships. Charges should only apply where a commercial agreement exists, such as between exporters and shipping lines. This ensures commercial tension and negotiation can occur, driving productivity and efficiency rather than unchecked cost increases.
In practice, this means a grain exporter should negotiate directly and solely with their shipping line to export grain in containers. The shipping line, in turn, should hold the contractual relationships with stevedores and container parks, maintaining accountability and market discipline within the supply chain.
GTA continues to advocate for a transparent, efficient and competitive port charging environment that supports export competitiveness and fair outcomes for members.
Please be aware that the cut-off date for publication orders in 2025 is fast approaching. Ensure that all submissions are finalised and submitted before the deadline to guarantee processing before 2026. The last day for orders is COB Monday, 15 December.
Any orders placed after this date will be dispatched on 6 January 2026.
Visit the News section of the GTA website for the latest updates on GTA activity, submissions, and industry developments.
AGIC Asia 2026 is the premier event connecting Australia’s grain industry with Asia’s key trading partners, offering GTA members a direct platform to advance trade relationships and market access opportunities.
The conference will bring together Australian exporters, Asian buyers, government representatives, and industry leaders to discuss market trends, trade dynamics, and collaboration opportunities. With China and Vietnam importing over 10 million tonnes of Australian grain annually, AGIC Asia provides an ideal forum for members to engage directly with customers and trading partners across these critical markets.
Hosted by GTA, the event also highlights the strength, quality, and reliability of Australian grain in global markets, reinforcing members’ competitiveness and visibility in the region.
Save the Date and Register for AGIC Asia 2026:
Showcase Your Brand
AGIC Asia 2026 offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities, giving members the chance to position their organisation in front of senior decision-makers and technical experts tackling key issues such as market access, quality assurance, and trade policy. Download the sponsorship prospectus.
The Australian Grain Storage and Protection Conference returns on 17–18 June 2026 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, bringing the supply chain together for two days of insights and practical discussion.
Early Bird rates are now available – register today
Sponsorship Opportunities
NWPGP 2026 provides valuable exposure to senior decision-makers across the grain sector. Organisations interested in positioning their brand at the conference can access full details in the Sponsorship Prospectus to explore opportunities for visibility and engagement.
Exclusive Accommodation Rates
Delegates can also access special accommodation rates at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins. Early bookings are recommended.
Thriving Today, Resilient Tomorrow
AGIC Australia, 29–30 July, at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne, is the place where the Australian grain industry connects, collaborates, and discovers solutions. Over two days, gain insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, and build networks that strengthen your business. You’ll meet: traders, producers, exporters, manufacturers, service providers, brokers, transport operators and researchers.
Secure your place at Australia’s premier grain industry conference.
Sponsorships are Now Open!
AGIC 2026 also provides a unique platform to connect with industry leaders, showcase your organisation, and influence the sector’s future. Learn more
Please join us in welcoming the following new members who have recently joined Grain Trade Australia:
We are pleased that Frey Commodities has 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 Hamilton Contracting and Wirrinout Transport are no longer members.
Please be advised that Hamilton Contracting and Wirrinout Transport are no longer members.
Grain Matters Edition 102 – November 2025
10 November 2025
Grain Matters Edition 101 – October 2025
9 October 2025
Grain Matters Edition 100 – September 2025
10 September 2025
Grain Matters Edition 99 – August 2025
12 August 2025
Grain Matters Edition 98 – July 2025
14 July 2025
Grain Matters Edition 97 – June 2025
13 June 2025
Grain Matters Edition 96 – May 2025
11 May 2025
Grain Matters Edition 95 – April 2025
11 April 2025
Grain Matters Edition 94 – March 2025
11 March 2025
Grain Matters Edition 93 – February 2025
14 February 2025
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Street Address
Level 7
12 O'Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address
PO Box R1829
Royal Exchange
Sydney NSW 1225
Street Address
Level 7
12 O'Connell Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Postal Address
PO Box R1829
Royal Exchange
Sydney NSW 1225