THE WEEKLY TIMES | Farmers push for grain levy relief as GRDC equity surges to $1 billion
Questions about the level of grain grower levy funds held by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) have resurfaced, with its latest annual report revealing liquid reserves have increased to almost $815 million and total equity has reached $1 billion.
In an article published by The Weekly Times, Grain Producers Australia (GPA) Southern Region Director and RD&E Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann questioned whether the current levy model remained fit for purpose, particularly as growers face rising input costs and increasing financial pressure on their businesses.
GRDC's 2025–26 accounts show grower levy contributions of almost $235 million, while research, development and extension expenditure reached $258.9 million. Despite increased spending, the organisation recorded an $86.5 million operating surplus.
Mr Weidemann said there was a growing case for reducing the levy burden, with funds retained by growers potentially supporting on-farm investment, labour and other operating costs.
The article also includes comments from former GPA Chair and Western Australian grower Barry Large, who questioned whether GRDC's structure and reserve settings continued to meet the needs of the modern grains industry, and called for greater scrutiny of how levy funds are spent.
GRDC Chair Sharon Starick defended the need to maintain reserves to support long-term research and manage seasonal fluctuations in levy income, pointing to more than $600 million in forward commitments and plans to reduce reserves over coming years.
The discussion comes ahead of an independent GRDC performance review expected to be released by the end of November, with continued attention on levy settings, research investment and ensuring growers receive value from the funds they contribute.
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