Below is a summary of some of the topics discussed during the Wheat Council's latest meetings
June 2025
The Durum wheat sector was a key focus, with value chain presentations offering insights into domestic needs and global market trends. AEGIC provided data on product releases, launch patterns, and market developments, with the Council discussing key opportunities and constraints for the sector.
The Council reviewed the current classification framework and affirmed its value in supporting consistent decision-making and guiding research, with no major changes proposed.
The Council discussed chemistries relating to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the wheat industry, and a Working Group has since been established to explore the topic further in an upcoming out-of-session meeting.
Updates were provided on three newly contracted communications projects. Council members have actively contributed to two of them through feedback in surveys and participation in out-of-session consultation.
March 2025
AEGIC delivered a presentation on market insights, providing information on customer preferences for export markets that is key to understanding current trends and aiding strategic planning within the Wheat Council.
An update was received on AEGIC’s ongoing project which has a focus on screening noodle varieties for colour and texture specifically for the Japanese market.
The Wheat Council received briefings on the latest developments in genetically modified (GM) and genetically engineered (GE) crops, including updates on trials in Australia. The session provided a comprehensive review of the current regulations and management practices within Australia and major export markets.
The Wheat Council is initiating a project to conduct a health check of the classification system to ensure its current structure continues to deliver the best value to the industry.
The Trade and Market Access team delivered an update on the economic assessment of non-tariff measures (NTMs), a long-term project currently underway, highlighting the impact and significance of these measures on the Australian grain industry.
The Wheat Council is advancing communication-focused project proposals aligned with Grains Australia’s Market Education pillar.
A project aiming to identify wheat quality preferences in key South East Asian markets is now contracted and is being delivered by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) following its endorsement by the Wheat Council at its June meeting. The Wheat Council has endorsed a new project proposal to better understand wheat quality preferences in North Asia markets.
A project focused on the Japanese udon market has received Council endorsement.
Representatives from Australian Crop Breeders were invited to share insights with the Wheat and Barley Councils on healthy plant breeding and tackling misdeclaration issues.
The Wheat Council is developing strategic priorities based around Grains Australia’s four pillars: Classification, Trade and Market Access, Market Insights, and Market Education. Areas for action are being set within each pillar and projects for investment are under active consideration, while others are under development.
Earlier in 2024 the Council established trade and technical working groups that are both planning and calling in additional data and analyses, actively driving issues forward.
The Council is exploring all aspects of establishing a soft wheat class, with detailed research and modelling around application of the proposed class.
The Council is always open to new proposals. Industry participants are encouraged to contact Council members or Grains Australia executive staff to raise concepts and ideas or discuss work already in progress.
The Wheat Council and Grains Australia Executive have spent considerable effort developing a standardised Class Modification Framework for the establishment and modification of wheat classes. This framework is now complete and will be used to evaluate future wheat class changes:
The framework provides industry with a clear pathway to engage with the Wheat Council on the introduction of new classes and modifications to existing classes
The framework ensures that the classification decision making process of the Council is strategically focused, thoroughly considers opportunities and risks, and liaises strongly with industry
A process map detailing the framework will be provided to industry soon, along with the template that industry can use to propose classification improvements to Council.
An export-focused soft white wheat class has been proposed to the Wheat Council to allow Australian growers to access new markets. This concept is being evaluated using the recently adopted Class Modification Framework which has identified several areas that need further input from industry experts. The Wheat Council will liaise with industry in the near term to help progress the development of this new and exciting class concept.
The Wheat Council recognises there are more opportunities that could be pursued to improve the value of the Australian wheat industry than it has resources to address. Wheat Council has therefore begun developing a strategic priorities plan to guide future Wheat Council activities and research investment:
Wheat Council will seek input from industry bodies into the development of its strategic priorities plan.
The criteria for wheat variety eligibility into the Australian Innovative Wheat class were refined by the Wheat Council to provide greater clarity to breeders and other stakeholders. Updated guidelines will be provided to breeders.
The Wheat Council will develop a set of strategic priorities for the wheat industry, with a particular focus on the four pillars of Grains Australia.
The process for ‘old variety’ removal from the master list was reviewed by Council and supported. Grains Australia will develop this into a policy to support transparency and rigour in the maintenance of the variety master list.
The Wheat Council spent time understanding the advocacy work that US Wheat Associates and Cereals Canada undertake in the marketplace. This was contrasted with the research and education work undertaken by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC). Council will, as part of its strategic priority setting, look for ways that the value of Australian wheat can be best supported by industry.
The Wheat Council is reviewing the framework of the establishment and modification of class systems.