THE WEEKLY TIMES | Cropping leaders back $1.1bn biofuel plan

Australia's canola plantings could significantly increase and boost a biofuel industry domestically following a Federal Government announcement.

The Weekly Times reported that a $1.1bn biofuel plan had been welcomed by the grains industry and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said it was an opportunity for the sector.

Victorian Farmers Federation grains group president Ryan Milgate said the real win would come when the oilseeds were crushed, refined, and used in local regions.

NSW Farmers grains council president Justin Everitt from Brocklesby said the news was wonderful for canola growers.

“There is an opportunity for us to produce some of our own biofuel instead of shipping it off to other countries,” he said.

Mr Everitt said farmers were hoping to see the market supply and demand from the move take place in around 2029 and there were possible opportunities for more plantings.

Grain Producers Australia chief executive Colin Bettles said the federal government’s low-carbon liquid fuels announcement was a positive step.

“The announcement aims to incentivise growers and the local grains supply chain with clear commercial signals and balanced policy to establish a legitimate market from the paddock through to the fuel tank,” Mr Bettles said.

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