From Canberra to Pakistan, GTA Champions Australian Grain Quality and Collaboration
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.
