GRAIN LEVY VOTE RESULTS AWAIT DECISION AS GRDC RESERVES CONTINUE TO GROW

Grain Producers Australia’s levy review is continuing as per the prescribed processes, with the results of a professional and independent survey of grain producers now with the Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins for response. 

This follows significant consultation reaching more than 7 million people in key grain producing regions in late 2025, inviting Australian grain producers to have their say on the grain levy’s future rates.  

The national survey of grain producers, revealed strong support for a moderate reduction in the research and development (R&D) and slight increase to the biosecurity activity components of the levy. HERE 

GPA Chair Barry Large said the success of Australia’s grain producers in consistently increasing production levels had created the issue now facing the $26 billion industry, where excessive and increasing reserves sit within Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). 

“While we wait patiently for the Minister to make a decision, the reserves continue to increase,” he said. 

“We’ve long been questioning are the grains levies fit-for-purpose and that was the focus of our survey. 

“This was a historic moment, where for the first time ever, growers could vote on what they believe our rates should be and overwhelmingly, the feedback supported change.”  

Growth in GRDC’s reserves was a focus during Federal Senate Estimates hearings this week where it was revealed the organisation was expecting reserves to increase $50-70 million this year, despite efforts to increase the stable of R&D project investments. 

Reserves are expected to surpass $1 billion this financial year. 

The progress of GPA’s levy review was also highlighted in Senate Estimates this week, with Western Australian Senator Slade Brockman requesting an update on the process. 

GPA began the process of reviewing grains levies in 2022 by assessing the levy system, opportunities, risks and questioning if it was fit-for-purpose. 

“As with any good research initiative, it raised more questions that need answering,” Mr Large said. 

“However, a significant level of unallocated retained R&D levy reserves was identified as a risk at the time and this was projected to continue as a growing concern.” 

Mr Large said in leading the levy review, GPA had taken advice from the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry levies team to ensure all legislative requirements had been met. 

“Our state farming organisation members and Grain Growers Limited have been informed, engaged with and consulted with throughout this work,” he said. 

“Grain producers have never voted on the components of their levy, despite the legislation allowing for this to occur, and there have been no changes to any of the levy components since 2008. 

“At the end of the day we’re talking about growers’ money, and it is our role to empower farmers to decide where these levies are directed and how this money is used to support their enduring profitability.” 

Mr Large said questions from Senator Brockman and Queensland Senator Matt Canavan during the Senate Estimates hearings were well-balanced and appropriate. 

“It is important that our elected representatives have the interests of agriculture and individual farmers front of mind,” he said. 

For more information about GPA’s levy review process visit www.grainproducers.com.au/grains-levy-review  

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Chair Barry Large: 0427 549 023 

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193