ABC WA COUNTRY HOUR | GPA focused on growers amid member exits

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 remains committed to continuing its work on behalf of grain growers.

“As an organisation we are disappointed, but our main focus is making sure we continue to service our members and growers in those states,” Mr Large said.

Mr Large said GPA continues to engage directly with growers across the country through its member organisations and direct grower members.

“We have direct members in these states and we have a responsibility to make sure we continue to provide information and engagement with growers,” he said.

Mr Large said GPA’s work is currently focused on a number of significant issues affecting grain growers.

“We’ve got global conflict impacting markets, and growers are raising questions about fertiliser supply, diesel costs and access to markets,” he said.

“These are the types of issues growers are contacting us about and we are working to make sure we have the right information available for them.”

Mr Large said GPA is continuing to strengthen its organisational structure and governance as it develops.

“Grain Producers Australia is still a relatively new organisation and we are working to get our governance settings right,” he said.

“We’ve had staffing challenges over the past period, but we are currently progressing the appointment of a CEO and expect that process to be finalised in the coming weeks.”

Mr Large said GPA remains focused on ensuring growers continue to receive information and representation on issues affecting the grains industry.

“Our role is to make sure growers are informed and that the issues affecting grain production are being raised and addressed,” he said.

“We will continue working with growers and industry stakeholders to support the grains sector.”

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