Australian grain growers are raising concerns about a new trade deal between Indonesia and the United States that will see 2 million tonnes of US wheat preferentially supplied into one of Australia’s key export markets. Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important wheat customers, and the move has prompted concern about what it signals for future market access across the region. Stock Journal spoke to Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large, who said the broader implica

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has warned that a new wheat purchasing arrangement between Indonesia and the United States could be the first sign of governments redirecting grain trade through political deals, potentially squeezing Australian producers out of key export markets. GPA believes this evolving issue, which has come about to manage trade relations, is a growing risk to Australian grain producers if agricultural markets become increasingly shaped by geopolitical t

Plans by Syngenta to phase out paraquat production in some international markets are not expected to impact supply for Australian growers, despite ongoing scrutiny of the chemical. Farm Weekly reported that the company has confirmed it will cease manufacturing at its UK facility and phase out products in the US, citing commercial factors, but says supply into Australia and New Zealand will continue. Paraquat remains a critical tool in Australian cropping systems, particularly

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are driving fresh concern across agriculture, with rising fuel prices and supply risks expected to flow through to farm operations, freight and input costs. Stock & Land reported that industry groups say Australia’s reliance on imported fuel is exposing producers to global shocks, particularly at critical times like sowing and harvest. Grain Producers Australia has previously raised concerns about fuel insecurity, with spokesperson Andre

Fuel price spikes linked to conflict in the Middle East are beginning to flow through to Australian supply chains, with queues forming at service stations and warnings prices could rise by up to 40 cents per litre. The volatility comes as global oil markets react to uncertainty around supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting concerns about cost impacts across agriculture. Grain Producers Australia has warned the timing is particularly challenging fo

Stock Journal has reported that Grain Producers Australia has reaffirmed its national advocacy role following decisions by Grain Producers SA and NSW Farmers to withdraw their memberships. In a statement, GPA said its mandate to represent grain growers across national policy and industry frameworks remains unchanged. “Grain Producers Australia has recognised representative functions within national policy frameworks that provide for a clear and consistent grower voice,” the s

Conflict in the Middle East is promoting a surcharge on container transport that is set to apply outside of the current situation settings. This is in addition to potential interruptions to fuel, oil and fertiliser supplies with the current closure of the Strait of Hormuz major trade route. The Australian reported that this surcharge was likely to impact end consumers, with major trade representatives estimating this could add around $4,000 US per refrigerated container of Au

NSW Farmers has confirmed it will leave Grain Producers Australia from April 1, joining Grain Producers South Australia in stepping away from the national body. The Land reported that NSW Farmers said the decision followed “repeated attempts” to resolve issues, including concerns around the GPA grains levy review and an independent governance review. “Responsible investment of member funds for peak industry body memberships is a priority… [and] the difficult decision to resig

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