Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the announcement of Victoria Anderson as the new Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). GPA Chair Barry Large said Ms Anderson was well-placed to take on the role considering her extensive background in Australian Public Service, having started as a graduate in agriculture, up to her most recent role as Deputy Secretary of the Small Business, Corporate and Law Group at the Department of the Treasury.

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

An open conversation about mental health and the value and importance of mateship and connections in farming communities is the focus of the first episode in Grain Producers Australia’s new podcast.  The debut episode launched today is now available via the GPA website and all streaming services. It features GPA Farmer Mates Mental Health (FMMH) Initiative National Ambassador and Aussie cricketing legend Brad Hogg talking about this year’s program, with GPA Southern Region D

Australian grain growers are being asked to help steer the future of on-farm automation, with Grain Producers Australia (GPA) launching its 2025 Autonomous Farm Machinery Survey to capture how producers are using, testing, and planning for autonomous equipment in the paddock.  The national survey aims to ensure farmers own and lead the discussion on automation and robotics, shaping the policies, safety frameworks and investment priorities that will determine how these tools