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

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.

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

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.

Significant decreases in registration application for pesticide and veterinary medicines in Australia has raised concerns of agricultural and chemical industry bodies alike. The Weekly Times reported that applications by chemical companies had almost halved over the past three years and there were concerns this could affect Australian agriculture's competitiveness if chemical access was restricted. It outlined that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

Australian grain growers are being asked to help steer the future of on-farm automation, with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) launching its 2025 Autonomous Farm Machinery Survey to capture how producers are using, testing, and planning for autonomous equipment in the paddock.  The national survey aims to ensure farmers own and lead the discussion on automation and robotics, shaping the policies, safety frameworks and investment priorities that will determine how these tools

As growers are advised to conduct good hygiene practices this harvest to avoid a potential mouse population boom in 2026, the question of effective bait access is in the headlines. ABC QLD Country Hour speaks to Grain Producers Australia Research Development and Extension Spokesman Andrew Weidemann about the current bait options available and the work GPA is doing to inform regulatory decisions about bait access. "We've been acutely aware through our colleagues in Queensland

Signs are pointing to an impending mouse population boom and growers are being encouraged to practice good harvest hygiene and watch out for signs of mice. This advice has come from the CSIRO following recent trapping results revealing high numbers of pregnant females in key cropping zones across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. ABC Online reported that CSIRO research officer Steve Henry has concerns for next autumn's planting period if favourable conditions con

The Western Australian (WA) grains industry has lost one of its most dedicated and influential advocates with the passing of Jeff Russell. As the WA Grains Biosecurity Officer (GBO) from 2010 to 2025, Jeff’s career was marked by technical excellence, practical engagement and a deep commitment to the resilience of WA’s grains sector. Jeff understood that biosecurity is not just a technical discipline but a shared responsibility. This mindset guided his work with growers, advis

In September 2010, GPA was born. That's the date when GPA officially replaced the former national representative body for Australian grain producers - the Grains Council of Australia. This is the point in time where GPA officially started serving representative responsibilities for every grain producer in Australia, under this new title. That's a fundamental reason why grower representation is in GPA's DNA. But there's many more good reasons why that's so and there's also ple

The $26 billion Australian grains industry’s strength – from paddock to plates and beyond – was on display for Federal Representatives, at a special event held at Parliament House in Canberra.     The Australian Grains Industry Showcase was co-hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers and Grain Producers Australia (GPA). Held for the third time, it provided unique opportunities connecting elected representatives with grains industry leaders; especially growers.

Fuel tax credits for farmers are in the sights of the Climate Change Authority, which is pushing for industry electrification. Farm Online reported that the agricultural industry and National party had voiced concerns the push to remove the rebate ignored a lack of contribution to public roads by electric vehicle users. Grain Producers Australia chief executive Colin Bettles said he would welcome the opportunity to discuss the subject, including how proposals around diesel fu

A national poll of grain producers is asking growers for their input on the rates of their compulsory grain levies. The poll, led by Grain Producers Australia, is intended to inform the Federal Government on levy rates amid building Grains Research and Development Corporation financial reserves. Grain Central reported that following the poll closure, GPA will compile a report to the government. GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles said growers were looking more closely at option

The survey of grain producers to inform how their grains levy rates should be structured is due to close today after several weeks of consultation. ABC Victoria Rural Report journalist Angus Verley spoke to Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive Colin Bettles as GPA leads the process to inform the Federal Agriculture Minister on what growers want in regards to their levy rates. "We've been asking the question are the grains levy rates worth the purpose and we've been condu

Grain producers are being encouraged to get their votes in today on whether their grains levies are fit for purpose before the consultation process led by Grain Producers Australia closes today. ABC WA Country Hour spoke to GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles, who said the feedback from the survey would directly influence a decision by the Federal Agriculture Minister on the breakdown for grains levy contributions. He said while there was significant funding in reserve for the

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is calling on all grain growers to vote and have your say on changes that can protect and strengthen the $27 billion Australian grains industry’s future value and productivity.   Vote now HERE   Earlier this month, GPA launched a final phase of consultation in processes for reviewing the grains levy, giving all growers opportunity to vote on preferred rates.   The review consultation has been groundbreaking, in making information and resources

The number of grain farms has decreased in the past two years, but production numbers continue to climb according to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) 2024-25 Annual Report. The Weekly Times reported that grain farm numbers had declined by 3000 over the past two years. Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive Colin Bettles said this figure was at about 52,000 when the grain levy system was introduced in 1988-90 and the national grain crop was valued at $