ABC ONLINE | Winter grain crop under pressure as fuel and fertiliser shortage hits at crunch time

Australian grain growers are facing a “double hit” of fuel and fertiliser shortages just as winter cropping programs get underway, despite favourable seasonal conditions across southern regions.

ABC Online reported that early autumn rain has provided a strong start, but disruptions to diesel and urea supply linked to Middle East conflict are creating uncertainty around whether growers can secure the inputs needed to get crops in the ground.

Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said the situation is cutting across one of the most important factors in crop production.

“A good crop is determined by timing, not by supply of fuel and fertiliser,” he said.

Mr Large said practical policy responses, such as tax incentives to support on-farm fuel storage, could help address short-term pressures while improving resilience longer term.

“In the short term, tax incentives are a simple option that can make a big impact,” he said.

With planting underway and supply chains under strain, growers warn the impact is likely to flow through to production and food prices if conditions persist.

Read more