Grains Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s recent announcement that agreement has been reached on a wheat protocol to Indonesia, providing benefits to both countries.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP announced the agreement to a wheat protocol following a visit to Jakarta last week in which she met with her ministerial counterparts to finalise a number of key outcomes with the Indonesian Government.
“This is a fantastic example of the type of positive outcomes that can be achieved when two countries work together collaboratively, in tandem with industry and government,” Grains Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Simonaitis said.
“We were pleased Grains Australia could play a key role in the development of the protocol alongside the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
“Grains Australia supported the approach to host an Indonesian Quarantine Authority (IQA) delegation visit to Australia last November, providing assistance with logistics and coordination – alongside CBH Group, DAFF and the Indonesian Consulate General.
“Drawing on our longstanding engagement with Indonesia, Grains Australia also participated in the visit and subsequently worked with DAFF and industry – including Grain Trade Australia – to contribute technical input into the wheat protocol.
“Australia’s wheat trade to Indonesia is worth, on average, $1.5 billion annually, underscoring the importance of the agreement which helps to protect significant value for Australian grain growers while assuring Indonesia of Australia’s commitment to high biosecurity standards.
“During the Australian visit, the IQA delegation saw firsthand how our industry effectively manages and reduces quarantine risks at multiple points along the supply chain, providing the group with greater certainty.
“The positive outcome highlights the role that Grains Australia – an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) – plays in the area of trade and market access by advancing a coordinated, national effort that is proactive and prepared to anticipate and respond to issues and opportunities.
“The ultimate objective is to maintain and improve access to global markets for Australian grains.”
More information about Grains Australia’s Trade and Market Access team is available at trade-market-access.
Caption: The IQA Indonesian delegation at CBH Group’s Kwinana Grain Terminal last year with Grains Australia and Australian government and industry representatives.
ENDS
Caption: The IQA Indonesian delegation in WA last year with Grains Australia and Australian government and industry representatives.
Media enquiries
Natalie Lee – media@grainsaustralia.com.au
About Grains Australia
Grains Australia delivers value to the Australian grains industry through the provision of industry services and functions including management of trade market access, classification, market insights and market education that improves the industry’s competitiveness and profitability.
Grains Australia is an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). GRDC leads investment in grains research, development and extension (RD&E) in Australia to create enduring profitability for grain growers.
A partnership between the Australian Government and grain growers, GRDC’s primary objective is to drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers and benefit the industry and the wider community.
Grains Australia and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) are organisations that work together in an integrated way to drive better outcomes for Australian grain growers. AEGIC is a delivery partner for Grains Australia’s market insights and education services.
AEGIC is an initiative of Grains Australia and the Western Australian State Government, through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).