GRAIN CENTRAL | Growers urged to engage on levies before GPA poll closes

A national poll of grain producers is asking growers for their input on the rates of their compulsory grain levies.

The poll, led by Grain Producers Australia, is intended to inform the Federal Government on levy rates amid building Grains Research and Development Corporation financial reserves.

Grain Central reported that following the poll closure, GPA will compile a report to the government.

GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles said growers were looking more closely at options available for their levies, and recognised current reserves offered an opportunity to optimise value and benefits.

“This focus is largely driven by the fact there’s currently $730 million in reserves for the research-and-development component of the grain levy, which has escalated significantly in recent years.

“This has fundamentally created a strong financial foundation on which to base proactive changes to benefit growers, industry and other shared beneficiaries, including the environment and national productivity.”

“Now’s the time for grain growers to have their say on the compulsory levies they pay, and how much they should pay on the different grains they sell post-harvest in future, to make the system f

airer and more equitable.

“Apathy will only force government to intervene at some stage in future, especially with government co-contributions also rapidly escalating at record rates.”

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