The Australian grains industry’s significant, invaluable contribution to rural communities, the national economy and more, was highlighted during a special event held at Parliament House in Canberra.
The Australian Grains Industry Showcase, hosted last night by the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers and Grain Producers Australia (GPA), helped to connect federal political representatives directly with industry leaders – especially Australian grain producers.
Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, Meryl Swanson MP, said it is always an honor to bring our hardworking farmers and their incredible stories right to the heart of Parliament.
“The grains industry is a pillar of rural Australia, and it’s essential we understand both the challenges they face and the immense value they contribute to our nation,” she said.
Co-Chair, the Hon Nola Marino MP, said the Parliamentary Friends group is a vital space for building stronger connections between Australian producers and Federal Parliament.
“The grains industry’s success resonates far beyond regional Australia, shaping our economic stability and food security,” she said.
“Events like these reinforce the partnership between government and industry to support this vital sector.”
GPA Chair Barry Large said the Showcase was an important way of connecting the Australian grains industry with elected federal representatives and key policy decision-makers, whilst highlighting the industry’s invaluable contribution to rural communities, the environment, the national economy and productivity, and also our vital role feeding consumers in both domestic and global markets.
“The Australian grains sector is the backbone of rural communities and an essential contributor to the Australian economy, food security and so much more,” he said.
“Events such as this can help bring rural producers and policymakers together, whilst showcasing our industry’s commitment to sustainability, growth, and innovation.
“I’d like to thank Meryl and Nola for providing this opportunity once again, for GPA and other leaders of our industry, to come together and share these important messages and conversations about our fantastic industry – building on the first Showcase event we held in November 2022.”
The 2024 Showcase event was coordinated by GPA and supported by other industry organisations including: Grain Trade Australia, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC), Grains Australia, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Manildra Group, the Baking Association of Australia, the Brewers Association of Australia, and GrainGrowers Ltd.
Each organisation collectively highlighted the collaborative nature of the national grains supply chain, from research and development initiatives through to international trade, ensuring Australian grains remain innovative and competitive, in both domestic and export markets.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister and Small Business, Julie Collins, also attended the event and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the grains industry and rural communities.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud attended the function and said grain producers are among the country’s most important workers.
“The Nationals are committed to ensuring the future success of the industry,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Our focus is on improving the lives of grain producers, with a raft of measures including bringing back the Agriculture Visa and stopping water buybacks.
“We are also determined to rule out harmful emissions profiles, or Scope 3, which will have a detrimental impact on our grains producers.”
Australian cricketing legend Brad Hogg also attended and spoke about the important role that he now plays as the National Ambassador of GPA's Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative, which is proudly supported by NuFarm Australia, Rural Aid and other partners.
“Farming communities face unique pressures, not only seasonal production challenges. It’s vitally important we all play a role in supporting mental health and improving farmer well-being and stronger community connections where we can; not only with great initiatives such as GPA’s Farmer Mates program,” Mr Hogg said.
Mr Large also acknowledged the support of the Baking Association of Australia and the Brewers Association of Australia, in attending this year’s Showcase and providing samples of the many products made with Australian grains, along with Manildra.
“This provided the opportunity to showcase the Australian grains industry’s connection all the way from producers’ paddocks, into the grains supply chain and beyond with feeding tens of millions of consumers in Australia and overseas,” he said.
“Let’s call it an excellent opportunity for everyone to get together and break bread, or share a beverage, over Australian grains. We look forward to building on this tradition, with the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, and creating a positive connection with many great people, in our industry.”
In addition to the Showcase, Brad Hogg also joined GPA in meeting with Federal MPs and Senators this week, to discuss the importance of mental health and farmer wellbeing, to support other important, shared outcomes, such as economic productivity and rural prosperity.
Australian Grains Industry Fast Facts – 2023-24
$21 billion: Gross value of production
22.2 million hectares: Winter grain crops planted
47 million tonnes: Grain produced (10-year average)
47.1 million tonnes: Grain forecast 2024
$24.5 billion: Value of exported grains
Over 22,000: Grain producing levy payers contributing to innovation and sustainability
ENDS
Further Information:
GPA Chair Barry Large: 0427 549 023
GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles: 0439 901 970
Comments