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.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the Federal Government’s backdown on the proposed Super Tax, recognising its failure to achieve legitimate policy support.  GPA Chair, Barry Large, said growers and their families were especially pleased to see an end to the government’s move to try to introduce a 15 percent tax on unrealised earnings in self-managed super funds (SMSFs), for balances above $3 million.  He said news of the government’s announcement of the policy backfli

Grain Producers Australia notes today’s decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) of conditional approval being granted to Elders Limited’s takeover of Delta Agribusiness, requiring divestment of Delta stores, only in WA.   In May this year, GPA HERE  acknowledged the ACCC’s announcement of preliminary concerns about the proposed takeover, in a published ‘Statement of Issues’ paper. This came after the competition watchdog delayed its originally

Grain Producers Australia is reminding all growers they can still have their say on the grains levy review consultation process that’s occurring and participate in the process – including attending Webinars.    Attendance at these online Webinars is open to all growers – regardless of their state or regional boundaries. This supports the review’s consultation processes and making information and resources as widely accessible as possible, to growers.    GPA chair, Barry Large

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

Western Australian grain growers are being encouraged to take part in Grain Producers Australia’s national survey to help determine the future of levy rates paid to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). For the first time since the system began, growers are being asked to vote on proposed changes to the grain levy, including a 20% reduction in the research and development component. This follows a national consultation process led by GPA. WA Farmers Grains C

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

Its business as usual for grain producers as new Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement comes into effect, which reduces tariffs across Australia's exports. The potential for Australia's canola growers to benefit from the UAE agreement is on the radar according to Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann, but said the current season is more of a focal point. The Weekly Times reported on the agreement and how it would impact diffe

A survey urging grain producers from around the country to think about how they want their levies to be structured is a historical...

Grain producers are being asked to vote and comment on a proposal to adjust the grain levies paid by all producers. The proposal is being put forward by representative organisation Grain Producers Australia to advise the Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins on the opinions of producers. Grain Central reported that the survey and review process was launched in 2022 by GPA and involved increasing the proportion of levy funds allocated to biosecurity and a reduced port