Escalating tensions in the Middle East are raising concerns across the grains industry, with the risk of rising fuel prices landing at a critical time for seeding. Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large told ABC Rural Report that increased volatility in global oil markets is already being felt, with growers watching closely as the situation develops. Mr Large said the conflict has reintroduced significant risk into key supply chains. “The escalating conflict involving Ir

A new “war surcharge” on container shipping to the Middle East is raising concern across Australia’s export sectors, with costs of up to $US4000 per refrigerated container expected to flow through supply chains. The Australian reported that the surcharge, introduced by major shipping lines including CMA CGM, comes amid escalating conflict in the region and applies even to cargo already in transit, leaving exporters with little ability to adjust pricing. Industry groups have l

In an interview with ABC WA Country Hour's Belinda Varischetti, Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large has reiterated the organisation's focus remains firmly on supporting grain growers and addressing the major issues facing the sector following recent commentary regarding State Farming Organisation membership. GPA Chair Barry Large said the organisation was disappointed by the decisions of two State Farming Organisations to terminate their membership, but said GPA remai

Increasing turbulence across the globe is shining a spotlight on the absence of a secure domestic supply of farm inputs to support Australian grain producers with access to fertiliser, fuels, pesticides and machinery. Strong domestic policy settings to protect Australian grain producers from the impacts that will likely occur from conflicts, such as the evolving military action in the Middle East, are important to the security of the $26 billion grains industry. GPA Cha

Moves by Grain Producers South Australia to leave Grain Producers Australia, with NSW Farmers set to follow, have highlighted ongoing tensions around governance, levy settings and national coordination. Grain Central reported that the departures follow years of engagement on reform and differing views on issues including the Grains Research and Development Corporation levy. GPA said its role remains unchanged despite the shifts. “Grain Producers Australia has recognised repre

Grain Producers Australia delivers strong national advocacy on behalf of Australian grain producers. GPA's mandate to represent grain producers remains strong. Grain Producers Australia has recognised representative functions within national policy frameworks that provide for a clear and consistent grower voice. This includes formal engagement with government, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Plant Health Australia, as signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Res

Grain Producers Australia says it will continue efforts to review grower levies paid to the Grains Research and Development Corporation, despite the Federal Agriculture Minister declining its initial proposal. ABC WA Country Hour reported that the Minister has called for both representative organisations to work together and build a stronger business case, supported by broader grower consultation. GPA Chair Barry Large told Belinda Varischetti that while the outcome was disap

A grower survey has been put forward as the basis for a proposal to review levy settings applied to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), as reserves approach $1 billion. Speaking on 3CS radio, Andrew Weidemann said Grain Producers Australia (GPA) submitted findings from an independent survey of growers to the Federal Agriculture Minister to test appetite for change. “There was a 76% majority that wanted to see a change in the current levy rate because we ar

Rejection of Grain Producers Australia's (GPA) push to have the research, development and extension levy reduced has been announced by Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins. GPA ran a poll of levy-paying grain producers in late 2025 which showed support for the move, however the Minister has asked for a joint business case from the two grains industry representative organisations GPA and GrainGrowers. The Land reported that GPA Chair Barry Large said the value-propos

Grain Producers Australia will continue advocating for a contemporary grains levy following advice from the Federal Minister for Agriculture regarding the organisation’s proposal to adjust levy settings. The Minister’s response follows recent Senate Estimates questioning HERE , where the progress of GPA’s levy review and the broader issue of grains levy settings were raised at a national level. GPA Chair Barry Large said while the Minister had advised she was not in a posit

Grain Producers Australia is calling for changes to assessment criteria that guides decisions of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to consider environmental and financial impacts. Countryman reported that these calls were being made as growers had faced losing key chemistries such as paraquat, diquat and glyphosate in recent years, without regulations allowing for considerations of impacts on the broader system. GPA Research, Development and