16 March 2026

Grain Matters Edition 105 – March 2026

Celebrating 35 years of GTA

In this issue of Grain Matters, we reflect on 35 years since Grain Trade Australia was established by industry for industry, creating a self-regulatory framework to standardise grain trading standards, trade rules and contracts.

The article looks at the milestones that have shaped GTA’s role, the contribution of members and committees, and how industry-led collaboration continues to underpin trusted grain trade today.

To mark the milestone, GTA will host a 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner in Sydney.

Date: Wednesday, 28 October. Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney

Registrations and limited sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Read the full article

GTA submission highlights risks of proposed exposure limits

GTA has made a submission to WorkSafe Victoria, raising concerns about proposed changes to workplace exposure limits for phosphine and methyl bromide.

While supporting strong worker safety protections, GTA warned the proposed limits could increase compliance costs, disrupt grain supply chains and impact domestic and export market access without further scientific review and industry consultation. Read more

GTA and DAFF strengthen coordinated approach to export compliance and market access

Senior representatives from Grain Trade Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry met in Sydney to progress coordinated work on export compliance and market access.

Read how discussions on quarantine performance, sorghum trade and proposed methyl bromide treatment settings are supporting practical implementation pathways and protecting members’ commercial flexibility.

AGIC Asia 2026 reinforces key Asian partnerships

Engagement across Australia’s major Asian grain markets continued this month at AGIC Asia 2026, with conferences held in Shanghai, China, on 10 March and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on 12 March.

Held under the theme Quality builds confidence, partnerships shape the future, AGIC Asia 2026 brought together record numbers of over 550 attendees across both locations, reflecting the depth of commercial and technical connections between Australia and its key customers.

The program provided updates on crop outlooks, market conditions, quality assurance systems, Australian farmer insights and evolving customer requirements – supporting transparency and shared understanding across the value chain.

Grain Trade Australia CEO Pat O’Shannassy said, “AGIC Asia remains an important forum for direct dialogue with customers and trade partners, demonstrating the quality of Australian grain and the integrity of the systems that underpin it“.

GTA Chair Ole Houe noted that ongoing technical engagement is essential to maintaining alignment across the supply chain and supporting long-term commercial relationships.

A key component of the program was GTA-organised roundtables with local government agencies, regulators and industry representatives. These discussions, led by Pat and Ole, focused on strengthening mutual understanding and supporting practical outcomes in destination markets, encouraging open communication at both commercial and technical levels.

News in Brief

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

1st Industry Call for Submissions on 2026/27 GTA Standards – Member Update No. 3 of 2026
Grain Trade Australia marks 35 years at the centre of Australia’s grain trade – Media Release
Australian grain industry strengthens partnerships at AGIC Asia 2026 – Media Release
Regulatory Impact Statement – Adoption of Workplace Exposure Limits, Grain Industry Perspective – GTA Submission
Proposed Amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 – GTA Submission
Cost Recovery Implementation Statement – Plant Export Certification – 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

This autumn, GTA is delivering a mix of in-person and online workshops, offering flexible learning options across industry-focused and season-specific topics in Melbourne and online.

GTA members receive preferential member pricing across all workshops.

April’s workshop

1 April I Understanding Grain Markets (Zoom) I Learn more

May’s workshops

6 May I Trade Rules & Contracts (Melbourne & Zoom) I Learn more

12 -13 May I Grain Export Execution & Risk Management (Melbourne) I Learn more

20 – 21 May I Grain Merchandising (Melbourne) I Learn more

Code of Practice training

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. Register here

If you’re previously registered for the Code Online Training program, your link is still active, and we encourage you to finalise your training.

GTA's Events

NWPGP 2026 – 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.

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 Australia – 29 – 30 July

Registrations are open for AGIC Australia at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne on 29 – 30 July.

AGIC is an industry-run conference for the grain industry and service providers, offering an opportunity to connect with industry colleagues through the various networking opportunities.

This year’s conference theme is Thriving Today, Resilient Tomorrow

Early bird tickets and special accommodation rates for AGIC delegates are available, and further details will be announced shortly.

GTA Member News

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

ZoomAgri

Key Agri

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.

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