11 May 2025

Grain Matters Edition 96 – May 2025

Goyder’s Line

I’d like to welcome Paul Smith to the GTA Board, appointed as Director – Ordinary Level A following the resignation of Brianna Peake, who has taken up an exciting new role in Austin, Texas. Paul is Chief Marketing and Trading Officer at CBH and brings extensive experience in finance, agribusiness, financial markets, risk management, and product development.

Code of Practice Review

The Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice – what I regard as the most important document in the grain self-regulatory framework – is currently under review.

Developed by GTA on behalf of the industry, the Code is the glue that binds the self-regulatory framework together. It is recognised by the Australian Government and by overseas governments in our destination markets. A strong endorsement of the role it plays in facilitating trade and building confidence in the Australian value chain.

Australia remains the only major exporting nation with an industry-managed Code of Practice. Adherence to the Code is mandatory for GTA Members and is a clear demonstration of the sector’s commitment to quality assurance and self-regulation. This confidence supports value creation across the supply chain.

We’re now reviewing the Code to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our evolving sector.

GTA has released Member Update No. 5 of 2025, inviting feedback on the review. Industry engagement is essential to ensure the Code remains relevant for all stakeholders. I encourage all members to review the Update and contribute to the process.

These conversations are only effective when the industry gets involved.

Industry-Led Port Protocol

Work is also progressing on an Industry Port Protocol to potentially succeed the current legislated Wheat Port Code, which has been under review by Government.

A GTA-facilitated Working Group has formed a smaller representative team – including large and small exporters and grower representatives – to develop a workable protocol. Once a draft is endorsed by the Working Group, it will be released for first call consultation with the broader industry.

Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA

Concerns Over Proposed Changes to Fumigation Validity Periods

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is actively engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) following potential changes to the validity period for methyl bromide fumigation certificates—a requirement for some export markets.

Currently, DAFF allows a 120-day validity period from the time of fumigation to export. However, at a recent GTA-coordinated regional forum, DAFF advised the industry may soon insist on stricter parameters citing the Montreal Protocol (MP) for quarantine and pre-shipment requirements.

The Montreal Protocol:

Under the MP, preshipment treatments should be performed 21 or fewer days before export to another country to meet official requirements, including non-quarantine standards such as food sanitation of the importing country or existing U.S. export requirements.

GTA is concerned that any move to shorten the current 120-day timeframe—particularly to 21 days—will severely disrupt trade with importing countries that mandate methyl bromide treatment, especially for grain exported in shipping containers.

Key concerns include:

Logistical challenges: Many regional container packing facilities cannot meet the 21-day window due to long and complex supply chains.
Market access impact: Exporters may be forced to seek alternative markets that don’t have fumigation requirements—often at lower prices.
Infrastructure limitations: Many sites have been built around the 120-day model, and changes would render them commercially in-operable.
Reputational risk: Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier may suffer, along with potential financial impacts across the supply chain.

GTA has written to DAFF to formally outline these issues and requested a meeting to work towards a practical approach that ensures continuity of trade with existing markets.

Improving Australia's Bulk Grain Import Readiness

Grain Trade Australia (GTA)’s Domestic Sector Council-instigated Working Group is collaborating with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to improve the process and speed of bulk grain imports. This work focuses on both drought-related imports and the ongoing import of soybean meal for stockfeed.

To support this effort, DAFF has established an Industry Consultative Committee (ICC) to provide a formal structure for industry consultation. The ICC recently approved a six-month project to:

Review Australia’s readiness to import bulk grain in times of drought
Assess industry’s capability to manage all biosecurity risks associated with bulk grain imports

The project will deliver a detailed report with findings and recommendations for both industry and government, aiming to streamline processes and reduce approval timelines.

Upcoming Bulk Grain Workshop – Week of 25 August

As part of this initiative, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will host a full-day Bulk Grain Workshop in Canberra during the week of 25 August 2025. The workshop is designed to improve industry understanding and efficiency in navigating the bulk grain import process.

Workshop Highlights:

Clarify import requirements – A detailed walkthrough of DAFF’s regulatory and operational framework
Run through a hypothetical import scenario – Understand the full process and decision points
Explore infrastructure readiness – Requirements for storage and handling under Approved Arrangements
Identify challenges and opportunities – Open discussion on barriers such as cost and logistics
Gauge industry commitment – Gather industry views on the viability of imports, particularly during drought years

GTA encourages any member considering grain imports due to Australian supply issues to attend. Further details will be shared once the program is finalised.

GTA Nominated for APVMA Advisory Group

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) has accepted an invitation to nominate for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Advisory Group.

Established in 1993, the APVMA is the Australian Government regulator responsible for centralising the registration of all agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products in the Australian marketplace.

The Advisory Group provides a forum for stakeholder input on regulatory processes, emerging issues, and priorities affecting the registration and use of agvet chemicals in Australia.

The invitation to nominate acknowledges GTA’s long-standing contribution, productive engagement, and demonstrated expertise in matters affecting the grain industry. The effectiveness of the Advisory Group relies on a broad and diverse range of industry perspectives, and GTA looks forward to contributing to this important forum.

News in Brief

Trading Standards – Further Industry Input Requested

Member Update 2 of 2025 sought industry feedback on potential changes to Trading Standards for the 2025/26 season and outlined a range of issues for industry consideration.

Following this, the GTA Trading Standards Committee met to review the feedback received and discuss the proposed Standards for the upcoming season.

As a result, Member Update 4 of 2025 was issued on 1 May, requesting further input from industry by COB Friday, 16 May 2025.

Industry engagement remains critical to ensuring the Trading Standards remain practical, relevant, and reflective of supply chain needs.

Market Access Update – Canola to Pakistan

Market Notification 3 of 2025 – Canola to Pakistan has been issued, providing an update to Notification 2 of 2025.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) held further technical discussions with Pakistani authorities. As a result of these constructive discussions, DAFF has confirmed that trade in Australian canola to Pakistan has been reinstated.

This update reflects ongoing efforts to maintain and support market access for Australian grain.

Further Input Sought on 2025/26 Location Differentials

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) has released Member Update No. 7 of 2025, outlining the outcomes from the Commerce Committee’s recent review of submissions on the 2025/26 Location Differentials (LDs).

Following the initial call in Member Update No. 1 of 2025, three submissions were received. The Committee is now seeking further nominations or submissions on key issues raised during the review process.

For more information on the current LDs and how to contribute, please visit the GTA website.

GTA Life Membership Nominations

Andrew Goyder, GTA Chair with Life Members Lyndon Asser and Geoff Farnsworth

Nominations are now open for GTA Life Membership, a prestigious honour recognised under the Grain Trade Australia Constitution.

This distinction is awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding or meritorious contribution to the Australian grain industry—either through direct involvement with GTA or in support of its broader objectives. Life Membership is not granted lightly and reflects significant dedication to the sector.

Life Members are nominated by GTA Members, with appointments approved by the GTA Board.

Further details on the nomination process are available in Member Update 6 of 2025.

Recipients will be formally recognised at the AGIC Gala Dinner in July.

Australian Oilseeds Federation Update

Seasonal variability, evolving trade dynamics and long-term industry development were front of mind at the May AOF Member Forum. A warm, dry start to the season and high variability across growing regions are expected to reduce the 2025/26 crop relative to the previous year. For 2024/25, canola production is now estimated at 6.25 million tonnes (Lachstock), above the AOF March Crop Report figure of 6.047mt, with further upside possible. The next AOF Crop Report will be released in mid-May.

Members also discussed sustainability initiatives, with ADM’s Liz Pitcher sharing learnings from a greenhouse gas calculator developed at the Australian Wine Research Institute. There was strong interest in the potential for a similar tool tailored to Australian oilseed processors.

Rob Wilson presented his final report as Chair of the Global Council for Innovation in Rapeseed and Canola. His term included AOF’s hosting of the successful 2023 International Rapeseed Congress. The next Congress will be held in France in 2027.

On market access, the forum welcomed the reinstatement of trade in Australian canola to Pakistan following further technical discussions by DAFF. (Market Notification 3 of 2025) Progress on trade with China was also discussed.

The AOF Technical Committee continues to advance work on a nationally consistent methodology for measuring pod shatter tolerance in canola, with strong industry support and alignment with a GRDC project focused on accurate measurement and rating.

Save the Date! AOF Forum and Dinner to celebrate AOF’s 55th anniversary is on 22 October – venue details released soon.

GTA New Members

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

Sunny Trading Group
DSL Pacific.

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.

Boost Your Capabilities in the Australian Grain Trade with GTA’s Workshops

Whether you’re focused on export execution, contracts, or grain merchandising, these practical sessions deliver targeted training led by seasoned professionals. Gain the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the grain industry with confidence and stay ahead in a competitive market. Register now!

21 May | Trade Rules & Contracts | Virtual (Zoom)
18-19 June | Grain Trading for Non-Traders | Melbourne
25-26 June | Grain Merchandising | Melbourne
3 July | Arbitrator Training | Virtual (Zoom)

Upcoming Events

The NWPGP 2025 Australian Grain Storage and Protection Conference is back on 4–5 June at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Street.

This essential industry event brings together leading voices across the grain supply chain to explore evolving market requirements, regulatory updates, and the latest innovations in grain storage and protection. Check out the program.

Gain insights that help you stay ahead of market and compliance demands, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen your grain protection strategies.

Early bird tickets are available until COB Friday 16 May – register now and join experts, researchers, and industry peers for two days of knowledge-sharing and practical takeaways to support your success in grain storage and protection. Exclusive accommodation rates at the Sofitel Melbourne are available.

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Showcase your brand to key decision-makers across government, research, and industry. Limited sponsorship options remain; download the Conference Prospectus to learn more.

AGIC Australia 2025

Register for your opportunity to discover insights, build relationships, and be part of shaping the future of the grain industry.

AGIC Australia | 30–31 July 2025!

Join us for the 2025 Australian Grain Industry Conference (AGIC), taking place at the Crown Promenade in Melbourne. Proudly hosted by Grain Trade Australia, this premier, industry-led event brings together key players across the grain supply chain.

Under the theme, Driving Forward – Sowing Success, offers valuable networking opportunities and exposure to:

Grain and oilseed growers, processors, importers, and exporters
Food, animal feed, biofuel, and bio-based product manufacturers
Financial, logistics, marketing, and communications service providers
Port operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies, and more.

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