Easing the way for exports in time for bumper crop

After two exceptional years of harvest the department is working hard to support the Australian grain export industry to meet increased export potential.

A/Deputy Secretary of the Agricultural Trade Group, Nicola Hinder PSM said there were several initiatives currently underway to improve conditions for exporters.

“The last two years were extremely successful for the crops sector, so we are committed to doing everything we can to improve conditions for Australia’s grain exporters,” Ms Hinder said.

“While the floods have adversely impacted growers in some parts of the country, other parts of Australia are experiencing their best winter crops on record.

“The department has successfully negotiated a treatment program for bulk shipments of grains to Mexico and is currently trialling the same treatment for grains and pulses to India.

“In-transit treatment removes the need for grain to be treated onshore for seven to ten days, which reduces congestion at ports and lowers costs for exporters.

“We’ve improved the assessment and issuance processes for export permits by automating and digitising manual certificates. So far, we have assessed and issued over 52,000 grain export permits for 2022—with such volumes every improvement we make can have positive impacts for industry.

“We also approved two new mobile bulk loading operators—with two more under assessment—providing more options for exporters to move grain through the ports.

“We’re doing everything we can to improve market diversification. This year we’re looking to send feed barley to the Gulf states, malting barley to Mexico, Peru and Ecuador, and lentils to India.

“And we are actively pursuing market access for wheat and barley to Brazil, and wheat to Mexico and Ecuador while working to improve conditions and reduce costs for Australian grain into a number of key markets, such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.”

Fast facts:

• The total production volume of grains, oilseeds and pulses for 21/22 was 45,362 kilo tonnes and the forecast for 22/23 is 48,893 kilo tonnes.
• The value of Australian crop exports is forecast to increase to $46.7 billion in the 2022–23 financial year. This is an 18 per cent increase on the 2021-22 total of $39.6 billion.