The recent khapra beetle response was a strong reminder of how effective Australia’s biosecurity system is when government, industry and the community work together. Grain Producers Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are sharing the above message to thank everyone involved for their professionalism, cooperation and commitment during the response. From frontline biosecurity officers to those who shared information through their networks, each c

By Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large    This year reinforces why a strong, independent national voice for grain producers matters.    As 2025 draws to a close, it is worth taking stock of what has been a busy and constructive year for Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and for the growers we represent.  It also highlighted the importance of staying focused on the long game. Sound policy, good governance, strong biosecurity and practical innovation do not happen overnig

The 2024-2025 National Residue Survey (NRS)  Grains Brochure  has demonstrated increasingly strong results, with overall compliance with Australian pesticide residue standards 99.6 per cent.  Operating within the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, the NRS helps maintain standards, through compliance with pesticide maximum residue limits (MRLs), to help facilitate important trade and market access for Australian grain producers and industry.  This year’s NRS Gra

Growers, storage operators and transporters now have access to an updated khapra beetle fact sheet to assist with identifying, understanding and reporting the high priority pest. Launched by Plant Health Australia as a part of the Grains Farm Biosecurity Plan , the fact sheet includes images of the beetle in various life stages, indications of presence and damage in stored grain and information about how it spreads. The Khapra beetle larvae detection in mid-2025 is a timely

The Federal Government's plans to recover the regulatory costs of agricultural exports has industry concerned the announcement is a cost shifting exercised. The new cost recovery arrangements are expected to collect millions of dollars from mid next year. The Weekly Times spoke to Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann, who said while there was little information released publicly ahead of the January 2026 public consultation, GPA has concerns. “T

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has raised early concerns following reports that the federal government is considering changes to export cost recovery arrangements that could increase regulatory costs for agricultural exporters. GPA Chair Barry Large said the grains industry had not yet received detailed information beyond what has been reported publicly and would be closely examining any material released through the formal consultation process next year. “At this stage, we

By GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann. Grain Producers Australia (GPA) understands the need to extend the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) review of paraquat and diquat. This extra time gives the regulator the space it needs to consider the full evidence base and make a decision that reflects both the science and the practical needs of Australian grain producers.  The extension follows considerable feedback rec

Results from Grain Producers Australia's survey of grain producers on levy rates have been released as growers continue to harvest a bumper crop set to continue boosting the large research and development levy reserves. The Weekly Times spoke to GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann, who said three-quarters of respondents backed a proposed to reduce the R&D levy from 0.99 to 0.79 per cent and raise the biosecurity activity levy component from 0.

Following the release of results of a national survey of grain producers by representative group Grain Producers Australia, ABC WA Country Hour explored the outcomes. GPA Research and Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said growers have sent a clear message through the independent levy survey, with 76 percent of verified participants supporting a reduction in the GRDC levy and a small increase to the biosecurity levy. He says the result reflects long-held