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

Grain Producers Australia’s (GPA) grains levy consultation ( HERE ) has revealed strong support for change, with three quarters of grain producer respondents calling for a reduction in the research and development (R&D) component of the compulsory levy. GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said this key message from GPA’s extensive industry consultation process is a significant outcome and a landmark determination given the grains industry has

A national consultation of grain producers has captured a strong opinion from participants who want a reduction in the research and development component of their levies. This consultation, led by Grain Producers Australia in response to increasing reserves in the R&D levy component, was run by independent company Australian Regional Insights during September and October. Grain Central highlighted that the results of the survey would be presented to the Federal Agriculture an

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) took part in the recent Plant Health Australia (PHA) member meetings in Canberra, representing the interests of grain producers and the broader grains industry. These meetings bring together government and industry to review work programs, look at emerging challenges, and set the direction for the national plant biosecurity system. They provide an opportunity for open discussion, updates on key projects and a shared focus on strengthening prepa

Jim Moran has been the Grains Biosecurity Officer (GBO) for Victoria since 2009. Managed by Plant Health Australia (PHA), the national Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) was launched in 2007. It is funded by grain growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA), together with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments. Below, Jim answers a few questions about himself and his role. How did you become involved

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the announcement of Victoria Anderson as the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). GPA Chair Barry Large said Ms Anderson was well-placed to take on the role considering her extensive background in Australian Public Service, having started as a graduate in agriculture, up to her most recent role as Deputy Secretary of the Small Business, Corporate and Law Group at the Department of the Treasury.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) took part in the recent Plant Health Australia (PHA) member meetings in Canberra, representing the interests of grain producers and the broader grains industry. These meetings bring together government and industry to review work programs, look at emerging challenges, and set the direction for the national plant biosecurity system. They provide an opportunity for open discussion, updates on key projects and a shared focus on strengthening prepa

An announcement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to delay a final decision on its review of the paraquat and diquat regulations has been acknowledged as important to make an evidence-based decision by peak agriculture body Grain Producers Australia (GPA) GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said while the extended timeline was frustrating and had drawn out the review process significantly, the APMVA was

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has delayed its final decision on the use of paraquat and diquat in Australia to consider research coming out of the US EPA. With the final decision expected in December 2025, the delay into 2026 is frustrating but understandable according to peak grains representative body Grain Producers Australia. Grain Producers Australia research and development spokesperson Andrew Weidemann spoke to The Land and said it was cr

A survey capturing how producers are using, testing and planning for autonomous technology on their farms is being conducted by Grain Producers Australia. Rural Business magazine reported that the national survey was a follow up from the 2024 survey which showed clear interest in automation's potential to boost efficiencies, but barriers to adoption that included connectivity and high costs. The survey builds on GPA’s ongoing work to support grower-led adoption of new technol

The grain producer representative body Grain Producers Australia marked its 15-year anniversary in October. Stock Journal reported that the group was initially created to replace the former Grains Council of Australia. GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles said GPA's 15 year's of grower representation was bolstered by its structure. "We have a democratic governance structure includes capacity for direct grower members and the democratic voices of the grain producer members of st

Grain Producers Australia has launched its 2025 automation survey seeking feedback from farm owners and managers. Farming Ahead reported on the survey and initiative now seeking current use practices and attitudes towards the use of automated technology in their operations. The survey is available online now until midnight November 28.

Farmers are sitting on delivered grain without on-selling for averages or six months or more. Stock & Land reported there was around 11 million tonnes of grain in the system with Australia's three major bulk handling businesses. Grain Producers Australia northern region director and Moree grower Matthew Madden said many growers were not in a rush to sell as they continued to harvest a bumper season. "The canola price has not been too bad, so people have been reasonably happy