13 April 2026

Grain Matters Edition 106 – April 2026

GTA engages government as supply and food security pressures grow

GTA continues to engage government at multiple levels to provide insight into emerging risks across the grain supply chain, supporting efficient and resilient trade.

This includes participation in the Bulk Import of Grain & Meals Industry Consultative Committee, which focuses on improving import processes and keeping the government informed of supply issues. GTA is also a member of the National Food Council, a strategic forum that gathers industry information to support national food security planning.

Through these forums, GTA ensures the grain trade perspective is considered in decision-making. This provides Government and GTA members with timely insights into market conditions, supply chain risks and trade impacts.

Key concerns raised include:

Current dry conditions in some key domestic states and a forecast El Niño, adding pressure to production
High and uncertain fuel and fertiliser costs, which may reduce planting hectares
Future access to fertiliser and fuel, critical for in-crop application and yields
Food security, a continuing national concern.

Trade implications are also emerging, with commercial maturity expected across industry participants. GTA Members are encouraged to refer to the Member Update No.7 of 2026 on the force majeure clause in GTA contracts.

By representing the trade perspective in these forums, GTA helps the government understand operational and market challenges. This supports policy and planning decisions that maintain a fair, efficient, and resilient grain trade in Australia.

Export cost recovery transition deferred

The Australian Government has deferred the phased transition to full cost recovery for export arrangements by 12 months, with implementation now set for 1 July 2027.

The decision recognises the impacts being experienced by Australia’s farmers and supply chain participants in response to conflict in the Middle East.

Export Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) pricing for 2025–26 will largely remain in place, supported by additional government funding from general reserves to bridge the gap between current revenue and the cost of delivering export regulatory services.

Full cost recovery remains scheduled for 1 July 2029.

The schedule of revised prices for 2026–27 to 2029–30 will be included in the final CRIS documents, to be published by 1 July 2026.

If you’re seeking further clarity, email ExportsFunding@aff.gov.au

GTA welcomes Tasmania’s alignment on gene technology

Tasmania has aligned its gene technology framework with the national scheme, reducing regulatory complexity and supporting market access for grain trade. GTA explains what this means for members and ongoing advocacy for innovation-friendly regulation. Read more

GTA continues to urge a review of proposed phosphine WELs

GTA has raised concerns with Safe Work Australia and the relevant federal, state and territory ministers over proposed reductions to Workplace Exposure Limits for phosphine and methyl bromide. These fumigants are essential for grain quality and export market access, and GTA is calling for further scientific review and consultation before any changes proceed. Read more

GTA hosts Chinese delegation, following AGIC Asia engagement

Following recent engagement at AGIC Asia in Shanghai, Grain Trade Australia (GTA) welcomed a Chinese delegation to its offices to continue discussions on matters relevant to the grain trade.

The visit provided an opportunity to build on conversations started during AGIC Asia, with a focus on maintaining open communication and strengthening industry relationships between Australia and China.

These engagements are an important part of GTA’s role in supporting international market connections and facilitating dialogue across the supply chain.

Ongoing engagement with key international stakeholders helps ensure Australian industry perspectives are represented in export markets. Maintaining strong relationships with customers such as China supports market access, builds confidence in Australian supply, and contributes to a more stable and informed trading environment for GTA members.

Find out more about the success of AGIC Asia 2026.

News in Brief

National Residue Survey – Industry Performance 2024–25 reports – translated

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has released translated versions of the National Residue Survey – Industry Performance 2024–25 reports.

These reports summarise the results of 6,289 grain samples collected for analysis. The consistently high compliance rates in the Australian grain industry help maintain the reputation and integrity of Australian grain in international and domestic markets. For more information, refer to Member Update 26 of 2025.

Ensuring accurate export data reporting

The GTA Commerce Committee recently discussed the importance of exporters and their agents entering export-related data accurately for the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS has relied on data from the Department of Home Affairs (and its predecessors) for over 100 years to compile international merchandise trade statistics. This information is provided by importers, exporters, shipping companies, airlines, freight forwarders, or agents, ensuring goods can be cleared for entry to, or export from, Australia.

The Committee noted recent instances where errors in grain export data have affected ABS reporting. Material errors can significantly impact the accuracy of supply and demand estimates for companies.

To address this, the Commerce Committee has requested that GTA members be reminded of the importance of careful data entry and encouraged to maintain accuracy in reporting.

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

GTA Grain Quality Assurance Manager – EOI – Member Update No. 4 of 2026
APVMA Findings on Review of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides – Member Update No. 5 of 2026
1st Industry Call for Submissions on 2026/27 GTA Trade Rules and Standard Form Grain Contracts – Member Update No. 6 of 2026
Force Majeure Clause Guidance in Current Geopolitical Environment (US-Iran Conflict) – Member Update No. 7 of 2026
Action Taken to Represent GTA Members’ Interests During Fuel Disruption – Member Update No. 8 of 2026
SWA Workplace Exposure Limits impact on the Grain Supply Chain – GTA Submission
NTC Guidelines – Landside Stevedore and ECP Fees – GTA Submission
General Review of IA-CEPA – GTA Submission
General Review of the China-Australia Free Trade – 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 May and June GTA is delivering three workshops in Melbourne and two online, across a variety of industry-specific topics.

GTA members receive preferential member pricing across all workshops.

May’s workshops

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

12 – 13 May I Grain Export Execution & Risk Management (Melbourne) I Register

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

June’s workshops

24 – 25 June I Grain Trading for Non-Traders (Melbourne) I Learn more

25 June I Navigating Trade Contracts Risk (Zoom) I Learn more

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.

35th Emerald Anniversary of Grain Trade Australia

GTA will mark 35 years of supporting Australia’s grain trade with an industry Gala Dinner in Sydney.

Established in 1991 by industry, for industry, GTA has played a central role in supporting efficient, transparent and trusted grain trade. This milestone recognises the collective contribution of members, committees and volunteers in shaping the frameworks that underpin the industry today.

Event details

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

Why attend

Celebrate 35 years of industry-led collaboration
Recognise member and industry contribution
Connect across the grain value chain.

Registrations are now open.

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