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

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

Calls from Grain Producers Australia to establish an Australian-owned certification scheme, despite a report saying the costs of a local program would outweigh benefits. Grain Central reported on work done by LEK Consulting Australia and commissioned by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) that outlined the scheme would cost between $17 million and $33 million across a 10-year period. GPA chief executive Colin Bettles said members had “consistently raised se

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

A new agreement between Australia and Pakistan has given Australian canola producers the opportunity to export genetically modified canola. The Weekly Times reported that Agriculture Minister Julie Collins outlining the non-GM canola market to Pakistan was already worth $506 million and this was tipped to increase significantly with the new agreement. Grain Producers Australia southern region director Andrew Weidemann said it was hoped this move would create a bit more compet

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

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

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 $

With a final decision due on the review of paraquat and diquat use in Australia, growers have been assured a two-year grace period will apply with any usage changes. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Authority (APVMA) confirmed the review of the two chemicals would be concluded in December following extensions to the process. Queensland Country Life reported on the update and spoke to Grain Producers Australia research and development spokesperson Andrew Weidemann, who

A decision on the future of paraquat and diquat is expected from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) by Christmas. The Weekly Times reported on the news following the Senate’s Rural, Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation committee estimates hearings in October. It was announced last year by the APVMA that the chemicals may be affected by a change in use as a part of its regulatory review processes.

Elders has been given approval to take over Delta Agriculture almost 12 months after announcing its plans, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) outlining some conditions. This follows delays by the ACCC on the decision after industry groups raised concerns that the acquisition could reduce competition in local areas where both Elders and Delat have a retail store. Grain Producers Australia's southern region director, Andrew Weidemann, said the ACCC's