ABC WA COUNTRY HOUR | GPA to push on with levy review following Minister’s response

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 disappointing, the organisation would move to respond to that direction.

“We’re a little bit flat on it… we tried to follow the process to affect change,” he said.

“But we are very open to listening to what the Minister said and we will action it going forward.”

While the initial proposal has been rejected, Mr Large said the work undertaken has at least brought the issue into focus.

“If people are talking about it then something has been achieved,” he said.

GPA will now look to work across industry to build a more comprehensive case, with future progress likely to depend on demonstrating clear and broad support from levy-paying growers.

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