STOCK & LAND | Growers to have say on GRDC levy future as part of historic survey

A survey urging grain producers from around the country to think about how they want their levies to be structured is a historical opportunity.

This is according to representative group Grain Producers Australia, who is leading the survey that will provide advice to the Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins on grower opinion.

Stock & Land spoke to GPA research and development (R&D) spokesperson Andrew Weidemann, who said the survey was the first time a survey of this kind had been conducted.

"The levy system has been around for around 40 years now but there hasn't been a chance for growers to have a say, we see this survey as a means to find out what growers are thinking," Mr Weidemann said.

GPA chair Barry Large said his organisation felt there was scope for a change in levy rates given the GRDC's healthy financial position.

"Levy rates haven't changed since 2008, yet the system has built up record reserves," Mr Large said.

"The research and development component alone is now sitting at $730 million, with more record production and levy collections forecast this year," he said.

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