NT FARMERS JOINS GPA TO BOOST THE NORTH'S VOICE

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) today welcomed the Northern Territory Farmers Association (NT Farmers) as a member, strengthening national representation for Territory growers on the issues that will decide how far and how fast the northern grain industry can grow.

Northern grain is expanding quickly as corporate and some of Australia's largest family grain operations invest in the Territory, the NT Government is committed to new cropping area expansion and signals from northern Western Australia and Queensland for seed markets increase.

The settings that will make or break that growth, from biosecurity to visas to research investment, are decided in Canberra, and Territory growers need to be heard when they are.

Key issues for northern growers:

• Biosecurity: the Top End is Australia’s front door to exotic pests and diseases, so strong preparedness and a rapid response capability protect growers in every region.

• Workforce: harvest and farm labour is hard to find in remote country, and Working Holiday Maker visa settings directly affect whether northern crops get planted, managed and harvested.

• Research and agronomy: levy investment needs to reflect tropical cropping, including varieties, rotations and crop protection suited to wet-season production.

• Market access: new northern grain must meet the same residue and quality standards that protect export markets for the whole industry.

  
  

“The north is Australia’s next grain frontier, and growers on the ground have the most at stake in getting these settings right. NT Farmers brings first-hand experience of tropical cropping, and having them with us makes GPA’s advocacy on biosecurity, workforce and research stronger and better informed.”

GPA Chair Matthew Madden

Grain has been attempted in the Top End before, and early efforts struggled with yields that did not stack up. Modern hybrids and varieties bred for tropical conditions, combined with better agronomy, have changed the odds.

“Developing a grain industry in the tropics takes time, research and investment. We’re seeing growing interest and real opportunities in the Territory, but there’s still work to do to establish the crops and production systems that will deliver consistent commercial results. Joining GPA gives our growers a stronger voice nationally on the research, biosecurity and policy decisions that will shape the industry’s future.”

NT Farmers President Simon Smith

Stronger together. NT Farmers brings the realities of building a grain industry from scratch in the tropics, and GPA brings national policy experience and a say in how grain levies are invested. Together they give northern growers a louder, better-informed voice.

About GPA. Grain Producers Australia represents Australian broadacre grain, pulse and oilseed producers on national policy, research and biosecurity issues. 

About NT Farmers. Formed in 2012 through the merger of the NT Agricultural Association and the NT Horticultural Association, NT Farmers is the peak industry body for the Territory’s plant-based industries.

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193