Rising fuel prices and tightening fertiliser supply linked to Middle East conflict are hitting grain growers as sowing gets underway across southern Australia. Landline reported that with the Middle East region producing around 45 per cent of global urea exports, supply disruptions are adding pressure at a critical time. Grain Producers Australia is calling on the Federal Government to step in, including prioritising tax incentives to boost on-farm fuel storage and support gr

The Grain Producers Australia Board and staff undertook Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) training in February 2026, delivered by Plant Health Australia. The session was scheduled following discussions between GPA and PHA to improve understanding of the EPPRD and ensure the organisation is prepared to meet its responsibilities as a signatory. The training focused on how a response to an exotic plant pest is managed nationally, including the roles of industry and gove

The Federal Agriculture Minister has warned fertiliser supplies could come under pressure by late May if global disruptions continue, with uncertainty around urea availability already weighing on growers. Australia relies heavily on imports from the Middle East, leaving supply chains exposed as conflict impacts production and trade flows, with prices already climbing sharply ahead of sowing. Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large spoke to Farm Online and said the situati

With the current uncertainty in relation to the war in Iran, GPA wanted to highlight potential contract clauses that may come into play for our members. In particular, a ‘Force Majeure’ refers to a specific clause in a contract which accounts for unforeseen events. The term ‘Force Majeure’ is French for ‘major force’ and speaks to an event beyond any person’s control that can hinder the performance of a contract. The intent of such a clause is to protect contracting p

Grain Producers Australia is calling on the Federal Government to expand the instant asset write-off scheme to support greater investment in on-farm fuel storage. Grain Central reported that the push comes as growers and regional businesses face rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty, with current tax settings limiting their ability to invest in larger storage systems needed to secure supply. GPA Southern Director Andrew Weidemann said the current cap does not reflect the c

Australian grain growers are facing a “double hit” of fuel and fertiliser shortages just as winter cropping programs get underway, despite favourable seasonal conditions across southern regions. ABC Online reported that early autumn rain has provided a strong start, but disruptions to diesel and urea supply linked to Middle East conflict are creating uncertainty around whether growers can secure the inputs needed to get crops in the ground. Grain Producers Australia Chair Bar

Grain Producers Australia is calling on the Federal Government to expand the instant asset write-off scheme to support greater investment in on-farm fuel storage. ABC Rural Victoria reported that the push comes as growers and regional businesses face rising fuel costs and supply uncertainty, with current tax settings limiting their ability to invest in larger storage systems needed to secure supply. GPA Southern Director Andrew Weidemann said the current cap does not reflect

Australia’s fuel market has shifted into crisis mode, with supply shortages, rising prices and a price-gouging probe adding pressure across agriculture, freight and regional communities. Diesel availability has tightened as global oil markets react to Middle East conflict, with some areas already reporting empty service stations and limits on fuel purchases. Stock & Land reported that the Federal Government has moved to release strategic reserves, while regulators investigate

Grain Producers Australia is calling on the Federal Government to prioritise tax incentives to boost on-farm fuel storage capability for Australia’s farmers. Producers currently navigating fuel supply disruptions and facing an anxious wait for fertiliser to be imported ahead of the upcoming sowing season, need strong signals of support from the Federal Government. Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and its State Farming Organisation (SFO) members continue their joint calls for

A new wheat agreement between Indonesia and the United States is expected to displace a portion of Australian exports, with up to 2 million tonnes of US wheat set to enter a key market traditionally supplied by Australia. Indonesia is typically one of Australia’s largest wheat customers, taking around 3 to 5 million tonnes annually, meaning the deal could significantly reduce Australia’s share. Grain Producers Australia spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the impact on growers

Uncertainty around fertiliser availability and pricing remains a key concern for grain growers, with a clearer picture expected to emerge by the end of March as global market conditions continue to shift. The situation is being closely watched following volatility linked to international supply chains and geopolitical tensions, which have already put pressure on input costs heading into the growing season. Grain Producers Australia spokesperson Andrew Weidemann told Grain Cen

A lack of domestic production of both fuel and fertiliser has Australia’s grain producers and wider agricultural industry again at the mercy of global conflict and price rises. Domestic production of these critical inputs is not a new issue raised by Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and its State Farming Organisation (SFO) members, however, inaction now has producers paying the price. These discussions have been a key focal point of GPA’s Policy Council, comprised of elected

Rising fuel prices and supply shortages linked to Middle East conflict are placing fresh pressure on Australian agriculture, with concerns costs could force difficult decisions across farming operations. The Australian spoke to agribusiness leaders who warn higher diesel prices and transport levies are already impacting viability, particularly for producers operating on tight margins and heading into key production periods. Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said the

A new trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States is raising concerns about the future of Australia’s largest wheat export market, with around 2 million tonnes of demand set to be preferentially sourced from the US. Indonesia typically imports 10–11 million tonnes of wheat annually, with Australia supplying a significant share, meaning the deal effectively removes part of the market from normal commercial competition. Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large to

Australian grain growers are raising concerns about a new trade deal between Indonesia and the United States that will see 2 million tonnes of US wheat preferentially supplied into one of Australia’s key export markets. Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important wheat customers, and the move has prompted concern about what it signals for future market access across the region. Stock Journal spoke to Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large, who said the broader implica

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has warned that a new wheat purchasing arrangement between Indonesia and the United States could be the first sign of governments redirecting grain trade through political deals, potentially squeezing Australian producers out of key export markets. GPA believes this evolving issue, which has come about to manage trade relations, is a growing risk to Australian grain producers if agricultural markets become increasingly shaped by geopolitical t

Plans by Syngenta to phase out paraquat production in some international markets are not expected to impact supply for Australian growers, despite ongoing scrutiny of the chemical. Farm Weekly reported that the company has confirmed it will cease manufacturing at its UK facility and phase out products in the US, citing commercial factors, but says supply into Australia and New Zealand will continue. Paraquat remains a critical tool in Australian cropping systems, particularly

Fuel price spikes linked to conflict in the Middle East are beginning to flow through to Australian supply chains, with queues forming at service stations and warnings prices could rise by up to 40 cents per litre. The volatility comes as global oil markets react to uncertainty around supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting concerns about cost impacts across agriculture. Grain Producers Australia has warned the timing is particularly challenging fo

Stock Journal has reported that Grain Producers Australia has reaffirmed its national advocacy role following decisions by Grain Producers SA and NSW Farmers to withdraw their memberships. In a statement, GPA said its mandate to represent grain growers across national policy and industry frameworks remains unchanged. “Grain Producers Australia has recognised representative functions within national policy frameworks that provide for a clear and consistent grower voice,” the s

Conflict in the Middle East is promoting a surcharge on container transport that is set to apply outside of the current situation settings. This is in addition to potential interruptions to fuel, oil and fertiliser supplies with the current closure of the Strait of Hormuz major trade route. The Australian reported that this surcharge was likely to impact end consumers, with major trade representatives estimating this could add around $4,000 US per refrigerated container of Au