Farm Online has reported growing concern that slower processing of working holiday visas could disrupt the upcoming grain harvest, with contractors warning backpackers can account for up to half of their seasonal workforce. Skilled overseas workers are particularly important for operating modern harvest machinery, with delays potentially leaving workers unable to arrive when crops are ready. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden said the changes presented a real risk

Attention is turning to how growers will manage the transition to new paraquat use conditions following the APVMA's final decision in June. The Weekly Times reported on the two-year period allowing existing stocks to be used under current labels, and the work now needed on withholding periods, extension and alternative chemistry before the new requirements fully take effect. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said GPA w

Victoria’s decision to delay new workplace exposure limits for phosphine has increased calls for a nationally consistent approach. Farm Online reported the proposed limit would fall from 0.3 parts per million to 0.05ppm, with Victoria now delaying implementation until December 2029 while further work is undertaken. Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden welcomed the decision and urged other jurisdictions to follow Victoria’s lead. “GPA is deeply committed to safe work

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is deeply concerned by the Federal Government’s confirmation that it is slowing the processing of working holiday visa applications. In the months leading up to harvest, GPA is alarmed by policy settings that undermine working holidaymakers as part of the seasonal workforce mix that risks undermining critical harvest capacity. As reported over the weekend, the Federal Government had paused applications for working holiday visas from 24 countr

Grain Producers Australia is focused on strengthening collaboration across grain industry representation and delivering a united voice on the issues that matter to growers. Grain Central spoke with newly elected GPA Chair and Moree grower Matthew Madden about working more closely with GrainGrowers, GPA’s ongoing national advocacy and the organisation’s unique responsibilities in areas including biosecurity, chemical access and emergency response. “GPA wants what every grower

Growers experiencing significant mouse pressure can now submit paddock-level evidence to have their agroecological zone’s (AEZ) mouse activity rating reviewed as part of the process that determines access to ZP50 mouse bait. The rapid in-paddock assessment pathway will ensure evolving mouse activity is found quickly and if moderate or above levels are confirmed, ZP50 use will be permitted under the emergency permit held by Grain Producers Australia. Development of this report

Australia’s crop protection toolkit is shrinking, with growers warning that restrictions and reviews are moving faster than replacement products are reaching the market. The Weekly Times reported 11 agricultural chemicals or chemical groups have been restricted, suspended, cancelled, phased out or placed under review in the past year, while only three new products are clearly in the approval pipeline. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson

Victoria’s move to delay tougher workplace exposure limits for phosphine until December 2029 has been welcomed by the grains industry. Grain Central reported the extension will provide more time to address concerns around monitoring capability, implementation and the potential impact of the proposed limits on grain storage, biosecurity and trade. Grain Producers Australia Chair and New South Wales grower Matthew Madden said the proposed change had caused significant concern g

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the Victorian Government decision today proposing a significant delay in workplace changes to phosphine fumigant use. WorkSafe Victoria announced today a proposal to delay the commencement of new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 15 airborne contaminants, including phosphine, until 1 December 2029. It is hoped that this is the first sensible announcement of many from state regulators who will be charged with enforcing new standard

Two new broad-spectrum knockdown herbicides could give Australian grain growers more options to manage weeds and herbicide resistance. The Weekly Times reported Bayer and Nufarm are progressing separate products through the regulatory pipeline, with both potentially available to growers by 2028 if approved. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said new chemistry was particularly important following changes to paraquat use

Barry Large has stepped down as Chair of Grain Producers Australia after 16 years on the board. Countryman reflected on his contribution to the organisation, highlighting his role as a founding director, his leadership on national grain policy and biosecurity, and his work to establish an independent national voice for Australian grain producers. Reflecting on his time with the organisation, Barry said one achievement stood above the rest. "I was there at the very start, when

Falling global urea prices are exposing the unintended consequences of the Federal Government's fertiliser support package. Grain Central reported that while the scheme helped secure supply during a period of global uncertainty, independent suppliers are now carrying significant losses as prices retreat, prompting fresh questions about competition across Australia's fertiliser market. Grain Producers Australia Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said the impacts were bein