GPA: STRONG GROWER LEADERSHIP CONTINUES

Grain Producers Australia’s strong grass roots grower representation has continued, with three experienced and committed grower directors re-elected to the GPA Board.

The re-election of Andrew Weidemann AM (Southern Region), Duncan Young (Western Region) and Brendan Taylor (Northern Region), was formally announced at the GPA AGM held today in Melbourne.

GPA Western Region Grower director, Barry Large, was also re-appointed as GPA Chair, and GPA Northern Region Grower Director, Matthew Madden, as GPA Deputy Chair, at the GPA Board meeting.

Mr Large said the re-election of the three GPA Grower Directors demonstrated their leadership and commitment to continue representing growers from their local regions, on important industry matters.

“These roles are vital to maintaining strong, grower focus and leadership at GPA. I’d like to thank and acknowledge Duncan, Andrew and Brendan for continuing to serve other growers in their communities with others on the GPA Board, to help make a difference right across our industry,” he said.

At today's GPA AGM - Brendan Taylor (GPA Northern Region Grower Director), GPA Deputy Chair, Matthew Madden, Andrew Weidemann AM (Southern Region Grower Director) and GPA Chair, Barry Large.

GPA’s 2025 Annual Report was accepted by members at the AGM and demonstrates the wide range of important industry issues GPA has taken action on grain producers, over the past year. HERE

GPA Annual Report Highlights

•           2025 Federal Election Policy Priorities – Engagement and Advocacy.

•           Strong Grower Advocacy-Industry Engagement on APVMA Reviews and Reforms.

•           Delivery of Australian Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan.

•           Nufarm Industry Partnership: GPA Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative.

•           ACCC Submission: Opposing Elders Proposed Acquisition of Delta Agribusiness.

•           Renewed Partnership (GPA, TMA and SPAA) Autonomous Farm Machinery.

•           Successful campaign opposing and defeating Federal Government’s Biosecurity Tax.

•           Wheat Port Code – Ongoing Review and Engagement Processes

“As well as GPA’s good work on the APVMA Paraquat and diquat proposed regulatory decisions this past year, the Australian Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan’s release was a significant milestone,” Mr Large said.

“GPA will continue working with all stakeholders to deliver the projects and initiatives in this Plan, and necessary resourcing, to strengthen biosecurity protections, led by GPA for growers.

“This work is also supported by the GPA Biosecurity Committee and again, we’re extremely thankful to our members and professional staff for their support, and on our other sub-committees. I’d also like to thank Plant Health Australia for their expertise and contribution to the GPA Biosecurity Committee.

“This engagement also supports GPA’s responsibilities representing all Australian levy-paying grain producers on biosecurity as a signatory to the Emergency Pest Plant Response Deed and as a PHA member, since 2004.”

Mr Large said GPA was proud to extend sincere thanks and gratitude again, to Nufarm Australia, for their support of GPA’s Farmer Mates Mental Health Initiative, over the past year, along with other partners including Rural Aid and Lifeline Australia.

“This important program helps raise greater awareness in rural communities and reduce stigmas, on mental health and suicide prevention, and we’ll be continuing to do more over the next year,” he said.

Mr Large said seasonal challenges remained at the forefront of GPA’s work, and on the minds of growers – especially with the drought in SA, and ongoing dry in other grain producing regions.

“Combined with escalating input costs and supply chain challenges, GPA remains focused on the job of supporting our members and responding to the needs of growers, when they need it most,” he said.

Mr Large said the GPA Policy Council meeting is also being held – after the AGM – with GPA’s members gathered in Melbourne.

“We’ll be continuing our important conversations about current and future policy priorities for Australian growers, to build more momentum and strengthen engagement needed across industry, to ensure we continue delivering better outcomes,” he said.

“GPA values the contributions made by all of our members, especially the volunteer leaders of the Grains Councils/Committees, of the State Farming Organisations. We look forward to continuing this strong leadership over the next year, with grass roots voices for growers, at the GPA Policy Council.”

Mr Weidemann said GPA would maintain momentum on the work done over the past year, on the APVMA’s review of pesticide products such as Paraquat and Diquat, with an expert report commissioned by GPA and tabled with members.

“This report identifies key issues and now forms a key part of the Agricultural Chemicals Sustainability Solutions Group that’s been established to work under the remit of GPA’s Pesticides and Technology Sub-committee. This will ensure GPA can continue our engagement across government and industry stakeholders, on these important matters, to ensure we get the best outcomes,” he said.

GPA Board Member Profiles HERE 

ENDS