AUSTRALIA’S grain producer leaders have gathered in Western Australia to discuss policy priorities, and determine future actions and proactive strategies, to address frontline issues.
The meeting of Grain Producers Australia’s national Policy Council – which comprises elected representatives of Grains Council/Committees from State Farming Organisations – included tacking the key issues that matter for grain producers, at the upcoming Federal Election.
GPA Chair, Barry Large, said the recent meeting in Fremantle reflected the current policy priorities of Australian grain producer leaders; especially rapidly rising production costs.
Mr Large said the results of GPA’s recent grower survey had demonstrated escalating concerns about the impact of increased input costs, on Australia’s $32 billion grains sector.
Other related policy matters were also addressed at GPA’s Policy Council meeting, such as the APVMA’s regulatory performance and how that’s impacting grain producers’ capacity to access pesticides that are essential to efficient and effective farming practices.
“As input costs continue to climb sharply, regulatory inefficiencies are also challenging our capacity to maintain access to the essential tools that growers need to remain productive and competitive – whilst producing some of the world’s highest quality grains,” Mr Large said.
“Research shows Australian grain producers already produce high-quality, low emissions intensity grains, when compared to other countries that we compete against in global grain export markets. These competing countries are also very heavily subsidised by their own governments. HERE
“Policy-makers need to be conscious of these important facts, when considering decisions that impact our industry’s performance. And when implementing future policies which can further stimulate industry growth, and boost the shared benefits delivered by strong farm production.”
Other key policy priorities identified in GPA’s grower survey include; improving digital connectivity and reliability; better access to farm labour; reducing the regulatory burden of excessive red and green tape; and supply chain costs, capacity and performance. HERE
Mr Large said the GPA Policy Council meeting also discussed other grower policy priorities including; trade and market access; biosecurity protections; grain receival standards and contracting; land access arrangements; End Point Royalty collections; and sustainability.
He said GPA would continue delivering policy and advocacy that matters for Australian grain producers, whilst progressing initiatives that can help boost grains industry growth and the shared benefits delivered for the environment, rural communities and the national economy.
“Our industry has contributed $81.15 billion in total gross value towards the national economy in the past three years, at an annual average of about $27 billion,” he said.
“This $27 billion represents about double the value reported before the previous election ($13.8b in 2020-21).
“This $81.15 billion also represents more than 30 per cent of the annual average of the total value of farm production nationally, for this same period ($261 billion). These numbers demonstrate the real economic value and growth that comes from backing Australian grain producers, with the right policies and proactive initiatives.
“GPA’s 2025 Election Policy Priorities will offer further opportunity to invest in policies and initiatives that can further strengthen our industry’s contribution to the national economy, whilst ensuring a strong and sustainable productive future for all Australian grain producers.”
Picture: GPA Chair and WA grain producer, Barry Large.
GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles, said GPA’s soon to be released Policy Priorities would also build on GPA’s 2022 election policy roadmap, advocated for during this current term of government, to drive increased productivity and growth. HERE
“GPA will continue working with our state members and their elected leaders to ensure we can continue delivering the strong policy and advocacy that drives better outcomes and results for all Australian grain producers,” he said.
“This also strengthens the shared benefits and growth delivered for our industry, and for rural communities, the environment and the national economy.”
Mr Bettles said this week’s meeting also included a presentation from Plant Health Australia on the continued implementation of the Australian Grains Biosecurity Plan, that’s been endorsed by GPA and involves ongoing collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation and governments. HERE
Mr Large GPA also acknowledges the recent appointment of former GPA Northern Grower Director and Deputy-Chair, Andrew Earle, as a new Director on the GRDC board. HERE
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