Recent reports from Western Australia of increasing mouse activity, as outlined in the CSIRO mouse updates , prompted Grain Producers Australia (GPA) to share the following column in rural media around the country earlier this month. Since its release, we’ve spoken with CSIRO Research Officer Steve Henry, who has just returned from WA where he was ground truthing the reports and holding grower education sessions about mouse management. Steve's observations confirming reports

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

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

As we move into 2026, the picture across the grains industry is mixed, and that’s probably the best word to describe farming in Australia at any time. In many regions, growers have just wrapped up harvest and can look back with a real sense of pride. Across Western Australia in particular, growers have delivered what is shaping up as the best harvest on record for the state. That’s an outstanding result and a credit to the skill, investment and persistence of WA farm business

By GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann. Environmental consequences and financial implications need to be a part of what is considered when Australia’s chemical regulator reviews chemistries.  For many grain producers, the reviews of key chemicals such as paraquat, diquat HERE and glyphosate have been the cause of much frustration and angst in recent years with our very logical arguments holding no weight in the conversation.  However, the han

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 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

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) 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

GPA recently attended the two-day National Biosecurity Forum, held at the University of Canberra. This gathering of industry leaders and representatives, government officials and scientific experts provided an excellent opportunity to discuss biosecurity priorities and taking actions according to the key guiding principle - shared responsibility. GPA's role is vital given the critical importance of strong biosecurity to safeguarding the $27 billion Australian grains industry

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

WA Farmers Grains Council President Mark Fowler spoke with ABC WA Country Hour journalist Belinda Varischetti about why Western Australian growers should take part in the Grain Producers Australia survey on proposed changes to the components of the grain levies. The review marks the first time in history that growers can have their say on levy rates, including the portion paid to the GRDC for research and development. Fowler urged WA growers to engage in the process, saying

By GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles. GRAIN Producers Australia (GPA) is conducting a historic consultation process that’s giving all growers a say on the compulsory grain levies that they pay. Therefore, it makes sense to take a look at the system’s history, to help answer some obvious questions and even bust a few myths. Some will have you believe if rates are reduced, ‘We'll all be rooned’. But that’s a bit like arguing against having a reverse gear in your vehicle or no

By Jim Moran , Victoria Grains Biosecurity Officer   With spring looming, growers are looking ahead to harvest. Warmer days and maturing...

By GPA Chief Executive, Colin Bettles Recently published news articles have highlighted serious loopholes in Australia’s foreign...

This June 2025 edition of GPA’s monthly newsletter may be relatively short, but it shows the depth of what we’ve been working hard on,...

By Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive Colin Bettles “It’s just the right thing to do. “It’s obvious what the problems are, and...

By GPA Chair, Barry Large    EVERYONE will have seen the headlines by now, warning about the looming perils and flaws contained in the...