13 February 2026

Grain Matters Edition 104 – February 2026

AGIC Asia 2026: Staying Connected to Australia’s Key Grain Markets

AGIC Asia 2026 will again bring Australian exporters and grain industry leaders together with government representatives, traders and end-users across Asia, reinforcing the importance of direct engagement in Australia’s most critical export markets.

For GTA members, AGIC Asia forms part of the broader effort to ensure Australian grain interests remain visible and well understood in international markets. Participation supports ongoing dialogue, knowledge-sharing and relationship-building that contribute to more predictable and open trade outcomes. As Asia continues to evolve as a strategic partner for Australian grain, maintaining strong industry engagement and commercial relationships remains essential.

Discussions will span market access, sustainability expectations, logistics, and broader geopolitical influences on grain trade, grain testing, and insights that support informed commercial decision-making at home.

AGIC Asia also plays a role in strengthening Australia’s reputation as a reliable, high-integrity supplier. By bringing together Australian industry expertise with in-market perspectives, the conference helps reinforce the systems, standards and transparency that underpin confidence in Australian grain.

AGIC Asia is in Shanghai, China, on 10 March and in Ho chi Mihn City, Vietnam, on 12 March – more information and how to join is available on the AGIC Asia website

NHVR 2026 Master Code released

The updated, NHVR activity-based 2026 Master Code provides practical guidance to manage heavy vehicle risks. The new Code moves from a role-based to an activity- based approach. This is closely aligned with GTA’s Transport Code – a practical tool to help members move grain safely and efficiently. Read more

DAFF opens consultation on 2026–27 CRIS

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has opened public consultation on the draft 2026–27 export Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) and the government’s decision to implement phased return to full cost recovery.

The proposed changes to fees and charges, for DAFF’s export regulatory activities, aim to reduce a funding gap driven by increasing export volumes, more complex importing country requirements, and cost pressures. This funding gap has seen the government having to provide additional funding to the department of $138m since 2023-24 to cover the shortfall. During this time the funding gap was driven by other sectors as the grain sector generated more than enough revenue to meet the cost attributed to grain.

GTA encourages members to review the proposed fees and provide feedback via DAFF’s Have Your Say portal. Acting on behalf of members, GTA has submitted feedback and will make a formal submission highlighting concerns over the consultation process, limited focus on efficiency or productivity, and the lack of explanation for cost structures. GTA notes that opportunities to increase productivity – for example, through the Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard (GSAMS) – are constrained by DAFF’s current fee arrangements. Prioritising funding and DAFF resources required to digitise phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto) has also been an ongoing concern.

GTA also noted that despite ongoing cost pressures, the Australian grain industry continues to meet its financial regulatory obligations. While other sectors receive ongoing support, highlighting the need for a commercially minded, efficient approach to export service funding.

GTA Member Survey 2025 - competition winners announced

Thank you to all the GTA members who participated in the GTA Member Survey 2025. The time and insights shared are greatly appreciated. Member feedback has now been compiled and presented to the GTA Board for discussion at the GTA Board Strategy Day in late February.

Members who submitted the survey had the chance to enter the draw to win one of three full conference tickets to AGIC Australia 2026.

The winners were selected at random, and the three successful entrants are:

Carly-Lee Perkins – Ulupna Pastoral Co
Sandra Newman – Louis Dreyfus Company
Rob Martin – Indyn.

Winners have been notified directly by email with further details.

For members who missed out on winning a golden AGIC Australia ticket, early bird registration for AGIC Australia 2026 in Melbourne on 29–30 July is now open. Over two days, members can gain insights from industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, while building networks that strengthen their business. You’ll meet fellow traders, producers, exporters, manufacturers, service providers, brokers, transport operators, and researchers all in one place.

Secure your place at Australia’s premier grain industry conference.

Advocating for GTA members in global grain trade forums

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy has represented GTA members in key international grain trade and policy forums through his role as President of the International Grain Trade Coalition.

This engagement ensures Australian grain supply chain realities are considered in global discussions on trade rules, regulation and market access, supporting more predictable and workable outcomes for members.

Read the full update here

Grain sector represented at inaugural National Food Council meeting

The inaugural meeting of the National Food Council was held in December, marking an important step in strengthening Australia’s long-term food security.

The National Food Council brings together supply chain participants, producers, farmers, academics and public health experts to support a more resilient, sustainable and affordable food system. GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy was appointed to the Council by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the Hon Julie Collins MP, reflecting recognition of GTA’s role in the grain supply chain. The Council is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Victoria Anderson.

Pat’s participation ensures the grain value chain is represented in national discussions on food security, supply chain resilience and future policy settings, helping to ensure GTA members’ perspectives are considered as policy and strategy continue to evolve.

News in Brief

A recap of the release since December’s edition of Grain Matters

National Residue Survey – Industry Performance 2024-25 – Member Update No. 26 of 2025
GTA Location Differentials – Round 1 Nominations and Submissions 2026/27 – Member Update No. 1 of 2026
WorkSafe Victoria Regulatory Impact Statement – Adoption of Safe Work Australia’s (SWA) Workplace Exposure Limits for airborne contaminants (WEL list) – Member Update No. 2 of 2026
GTA Welcomes ACCC Findings on Escalating Container Port Landside Charges – Media Release
Grain Trade Australia joins the Australian Government Trade Diversification Network – Media Release
Update – Indonesian Import Requirements – 21-Day Phytosanitary – Market Notification – Notice No. 6 of 2025
Public Consultation – Impacts of Heavy Vehicle Reform – GTA Submission
Cleaner Fuels Program – GTA Submission
Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation Amendment – GTA Submission
Productivity in Australia – Grain Industry Perspective – 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 Training & Development

Continue your learning and development this February and March with GTA’s four practical, industry-led workshops.

These grain industry-designed workshops will help strengthen your commercial understanding, support consistent practice and build confidence across the grain trade.

Developed as part of GTA’s stewardship of the Australian grain industry, these workshops support the industry’s self-regulatory framework and deliver immediate value. View the workshop details below and register today.

19 February – Understanding Grain Markets (Zoom)
25–26 February – Grain Trading for Non-Traders (Zoom)
11 March – Trade Rules & Contracts (Zoom)
19 March – Grain Finance & Risk Management (Zoom & Sydney)

GTA members receive special member pricing across all workshops.

GTA’s Events

NWPGP 2026 – Early Bird Registration Is Open

The Australian Grain Storage and Protection Conference returns to the Sofitel Melbourne on 17–18 June.

Join industry leaders, regulators, researchers and commercial experts for two days of insights, innovation and practical discussion on grain storage and protection.

Early Bird rates are now available – register today to secure your place.

Sponsorship Opportunities

NWPGP 2026 offers the ideal platform to position your brand in front of senior decision-makers across the grains industry. Download 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.

AGIC Asia – 10-12 March

Taking place in Shanghai, China and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – more details are available at agic.org.au/asia

AGIC Australia – 29-30 July at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne. Early bird tickets are available, and further details will be announced shortly.

Previous Update

<< Go back