14 July 2025

Grain Matters Edition 98 – July 2025

Goyder’s Line

Looking Ahead – AGIC 2025 and Industry Progress

It’s an exciting month as we approach AGIC 2025, my final conference as GTA Chair. This milestone offers a moment to reflect on the progress the industry has made during my tenure. One of the most important achievements has been the continued focus on improving productivity across the grain supply chain.

Productivity remains a national priority. Improving productivity across the Australian economy is critical for the country’s economy. I welcomed the recent announcement by the Albanese Government to convene a National Productivity Roundtable in August. GTA has written to Treasurer Jim Chalmers requesting a seat at the Roundtable and urging that the facilitation of trade and support for improving supply chain efficiency be prioritised in any future reforms.

GTA’s work doesn’t only focus on grain exports, we also work to improve the process of importing plant-based meal products and bulk grain from interstate and other origins during drought years. GTA, as part of a dedicated Working Group, has been collaborating with DAFF to streamline this complex process. As part of this work, DAFF will host a full-day workshop in Canberra on 27 August; details are available here.

Later this year will see the release of an updated version of the Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice. The Code is a cornerstone of our self-regulatory framework, setting us apart from international counterparts that rely heavily on government regulation. Over the years, several industries have approached GTA to better understand our integrated system of Trade Rules, Standards, Contracts, etc., to build similar structures to support confidence and efficiency in their own sectors. It’s encouraging to see other Australian sectors, such as dairy, establishing a Code.

Andrew Goyder, Chair – GTA

Australia to Chair International Grains Council

Australia has been appointed Chair of the International Grains Council (IGC) for 2025–26, reinforcing our global leadership in promoting open, transparent and rules-based grain trade. The role will be held by DAFF’s Agriculture Counsellor in London, Dr Amy Little, with priorities including trade facilitation, food security and sustainability.

Grain Trade Australia is a long-standing and active member of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), which works closely with the IGC to reduce trade barriers and support global market access. GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy currently serves as IGTC President.

“IGTC supports the need for open and predictable trade. We look forward to working with IGC and Dr Amy Little to progress shared priorities and objectives in relation to rules-based and open trade, food security and trade facilitative solutions to trade barriers.” – Pat O’Shannassy, GTA CEO and IGTC President.

The announcement follows London Grains Week, where international leaders and organisations, including the WTO, came together to progress shared goals. Key themes included rules-based trade, evidence-based standards, digitalisation and regulatory alignment—priorities that continue to shape GTA’s engagement globally.

Showcasing Australia’s Grain Quality Assurance to Pakistan Delegation

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy recently had the opportunity to present to a high-level delegation from Pakistan on the quality assurance systems that underpin Australia’s grain supply chain.

Pat outlined the critical role of GTA’s self-regulatory framework in supporting Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain. The presentation covered key elements, including:

The Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice
GTA Trading Standards and standard form contracts
The independent GTA arbitration system
Industry training and capability-building programs.

The engagement provided an important opportunity to reinforce the integrity, transparency and strength of Australia’s grain quality systems, key factors in maintaining market access and buyer confidence in export destinations such as Pakistan.

GTA Engages on National and International Issues in Canberra

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy has been actively representing the grain industry in Canberra, attending a series of industry and government engagements over recent weeks.

This included contributing to discussions on grains biosecurity at the Plant Health Australia Grains Biosecurity Advisory Committee Meeting.

Pat also participated in the Australia China Business Council’s China Capability program, attending a workshop on engaging with China, an important opportunity to build understanding of one of Australia’s key trading partners. The workshop aligned with Pat’s attendance at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) Annual Peak Bodies Forum the following day, where national trade and policy issues were in focus.

These engagements reflect GTA’s ongoing commitment to industry advocacy and strengthening relationships that support trade and supply chain resilience.

Industry Raises Concerns on Proposed Phosphine Exposure Limits

GTA, alongside the National Working Party on Grain Protection (NWPGP) and Grain Growers Limited (GGL), has written to SafeWork Australia (SWA) to formally raise concerns about the proposed changes to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) for phosphine, due to take effect from 1 December 2026.

February’s Grain Matters reported on the proposed Changes to Phosphine Fumigation Standards. The proposed lower limits raise questions about industry’s ability to safely and practically comply, given current grain handling processes, fumigation practices, and available monitoring technologies. Read more.

Support Breeding Innovation by Complying with EPR Requirements

Australia’s wheat breeders plant thousands of trial plots each season, stretching the equivalent of Melbourne to Perth—driven by the goal of delivering better-performing, more profitable varieties for growers and grain marketers.

These efforts are funded by End Point Royalties (EPRs), paid by farmers who grow the varieties. EPRs reward successful breeding and provide critical income to sustain future breeding programs. Read more.

News in Brief

FSANZ Approves New GM Food Definitions

Further to GTA’s article on GTA’s Commitment to Responsible Innovation in the June edition of Grain Matters, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved updated definitions for genetically modified (GM) food in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

The updates follow FSANZ’s extensive review under Proposal P1055 – Definitions for Gene Technology and New Breeding Techniques. The revised definitions aim to modernise the Code to reflect scientific advances, remove ambiguity, and improve regulatory clarity while maintaining strong food safety protections. Read more.

MIOR Upgrade – Industry Input Encouraged Life Membership

The Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) is the government’s IT database detailing the requirements exporters and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) must meet for overseas market access.

Micor is currently being upgraded to a new DAFF operating platform. While some industry feedback has already been provided, DAFF is now seeking further input to help refine the system.

If your business regularly uses Micor and has suggestions for improvement, you’re encouraged to contact DAFF to contribute to the development of a more efficient platform.

A Recap of Releases Since June’s Edition of Grain Matters

HX Food Group (Aus) Pty Ltd – External Administration – Member Update No. 10 of 2025
Outcome of GPPEICC Meeting 18 June 2025 – Notice No. 4 of 2025
GTA Submission – GMO Environmental Scan
GTA Submission – Strategic Fleet.

Stay up to Date

Visit the News section of the GTA website for the latest updates on GTA activity, submissions, and industry developments.

GTA’s Training & Development - Semester 2

GTA offers a range of in-person and online workshops designed to build knowledge across key areas of the grain industry.

Full course details, including workshop dates, duration, locations and pricing, are available on the GTA website.

Workshop topics this semester include:

Trade Rules & Contracts
Grain Merchandising
Grain Finance & Risk Management
Grain Standards & Classification
Grain Trading for Non-Traders.

Choose from face-to-face workshops in key regional and city locations or join live online via Zoom.

In August, workshops will be held in Victoria, New South Wales and online. Covering compliance, standards and trade rules. Our August workshops kick off with:

6 August | Understanding Grain Markets | Zoom | Register here
20 August | Advisory & Compliance | Sydney & Zoom | Register here
21 August | Trade Rules & Contracts | Melbourne | Register here

Sharpen your skills – register now!

GTA’s Events

Advisory & Compliance Day

Grain Trade Australia’s annual Advisory & Compliance Day returns on Tuesday, 20 August, hosted at Cliftons, Sydney with a virtual attendance option available.

This important workshop is designed specifically for GTA Members to explore and discuss the risks and obligations present across the grain value chain.

With a flexible format, the day allows for timely discussions on emerging issues alongside a focused program that addresses key compliance and advisory challenges.

Topics will include:

Compliance with legislation, taxation, insurance and staff payments
Recent arbitration outcomes and lessons learned
Navigating insolvencies
Managing reputational risk
Updates in sustainability.

This workshop is particularly relevant for AFSL licence holders, brokers, and those operating in the advisory space. It’s a must-attend event for those seeking to manage exposure and strengthen compliance practices within their business.

Further details on the program will be released soon. Register here

AGIC 2025

AGIC 2025 is fast approaching!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the grains industry’s premier event, where key players from across the supply chain gather to connect, share insights and shape what’s next. With engaging keynote speakers and a range of expert panels, AGIC 2025 has something for everyone.

See the full program here.

Networking at AGIC 2025 – Make the Most of Every Opportunity

AGIC 2025 offers a range of networking events to connect, reflect and recharge with industry peers. Kicking off with an exclusive Port of Melbourne Boat Tour on Tuesday 29 July, delegates will enjoy a unique perspective of Australia’s busiest port.

Following Day 1 of the conference, the Welcome Reception provides a relaxed setting to reconnect and build new networks.

And to round off the program, a highlight of the AGIC calendar – the CBH AGIC 2025 Gala Dinner – will be held on Thursday 31 July at Crown Palladium. Enjoy a premium three-course meal, drinks and entertainment as you unwind with colleagues and guests after two packed days.

AGIC 2025 is not to be missed! Register for your opportunity to discover insights, build relationships, and be part of shaping the future of the grain industry.

Free Young Professionals Networking Event

Tuesday, 29 July – 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Yarra Botanica, Southbank Promenade, Southbank, Melbourne.

If you are 30 or under and keen to meet with leaders and decision makers from the Australian grains industry, the Young Professionals Networking Event, hosted by Five Under 30, is for you!

This is a great opportunity to network and mingle with likeminded young professionals and connect with leaders from the industry. You’ll meet CEOs, Chairs, Senior Managers and key decision makers from the Australian grains industry.

This is a free event, but RSVP is essential. Please enter the code you were provided when registering or email admin@graintrade.org.au

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