Syngenta’s withdrawal from the Australian paraquat market has exposed the vulnerability of local growers when global commercial decisions reduce access to essential crop protection products. Grain Producers Australia (GPA) Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann the decision is particularly concerning because Syngenta is the original paraquat registrant and has been a long-term foundation of the Australian market. Syngenta's announcement today closel

By Grain Producers Australia Biosecurity Committee Chair Barry Large Late last month, H5N1 bird flu was confirmed in a brown skua found near Esperance, on Western Australia's south coast. It was the first detection of this strain on the Australian mainland, and it means the virus has now reached every continent on Earth. For a country that has spent decades building one of the most respected biosecurity systems in the world, it's a sobering moment. It's also, I'd argue, the w

Proposed changes to workplace exposure limits for phosphine are prompting concern across the Australian grains industry. Grain Central reported that Grain Producers Australia has joined Grain Trade Australia, GrainGrowers, bulk handlers and other industry organisations in seeking a practical, evidence-based pathway, warning the new limits could disrupt grain storage, handling and exports while creating compliance challenges ahead of harvest. The article highlights the industr

The future of Australia's wheat export framework is back in focus as the Federal Government consults on changes to the Wheat Port Code. Farm Weekly reported on the proposed transition to a streamlined code and the differing views across industry on how competition, transparency and fair access to export terminals should be managed in the years ahead. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann said the current framework had played an important role in

Notice is hereby given that the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Grain Producers Australia Limited (ABN 63 111 159 998) will be held as a hybrid meeting on Monday 27 July 2026 commencing at 9:00am AEST. Members can attend the meeting in person at the ANZ building, 833 Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria or participate online via Zoom (meeting link HERE). Please click to register for the meeting via Eventbrite HERE The meeting will cover the following agenda items: Welcome Min

Australia's fertiliser market is adjusting to a sharp fall in global urea prices, with Grain Central reporting that suppliers outside the Federal Government's fertiliser support package are carrying significant losses after importing higher-priced product during the market peak. The article also explores concerns about competition and the longer-term impacts of the government's intervention on the fertiliser market. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schi

The Federal Government's fertiliser support package has come under scrutiny as global urea prices continue to fall. Grain Central reported concerns that while the intervention was designed to protect growers during a period of supply uncertainty, suppliers outside the scheme are now carrying significant losses and questions are being raised about competition in the fertiliser market. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said the current arrangemen

Pulse growers are weighing up the practical implications of the APVMA's final paraquat and diquat decision ahead of harvest. Grain Central explored how the revised 14-day withholding period could change desiccation practices for lentils and other pulse crops, with growers expected to consider alternative chemistries and harvest management options while adapting to the new requirements over the next two seasons. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling

The APVMA has released its long-awaited final decision on paraquat and diquat, confirming both products will remain available under revised label requirements and new safety restrictions. Stock Journal reported on the decision and the implications for grain growers and Australia's minimum and no-till farming systems. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said retaining access to the products was an important outcome for Au

Stronger mouse bait is now available to eligible grain growers following the approval of Grain Producers Australia's national emergency permit application. Farm Online reported on the permit, which provides access to 50g/kg zinc phosphide (ZP50) to help manage severe mouse activity across affected grain-growing regions under strict stewardship and reporting requirements. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the stron

Australian grain producers will retain access to paraquat and diquat following the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) final review decision, delivering a positive outcome for the grains industry and a victory for science-based regulation and due process. Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has welcomed the outcome of the review, which confirms paraquat and diquat will remain available for use in Australian broadacre farming systems subject to revis

Australia's independent chemical regulator has confirmed paraquat and diquat will remain available for use, with revised label requirements and application rates following the conclusion of its long-running review. Countryman covered the decision and the significance of the outcome for Australia's grain industry. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the decision recognised the importance of minimum and no-till farmin