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 $

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

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

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.