Grains Australia Limited announces a new program in partnership with IA-CEPA ECP Katalis (Katalis) and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) that will support knowledge exchange between Australia and Indonesia.
Richard Simonaitis, CEO of Grains Australia, said that as one of Australia’s largest wheat markets, valued at over $AU1.3 Billion in 2021 [UN Comtrade], Indonesia is a key priority for the local grain industry.
“The online learning program is designed to upskill workers in Indonesia’s rapidly growing flour milling industry, improving efficiency and enhancing the value of Australian wheat.
“The program will deepen the business relationships between Indonesian flour millers and the Australian industry, leading to the expansion of that market.”
Available in English and Bahasa Indonesia, the online learning program will consist of 29 modules and includes a series of training videos developed by AEGIC. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Flour Mill Production.
Richard said, “Indonesian flour mills use approximately eight million tonnes of wheat each year, and this is growing at a rate of around five per cent per year. With this program, we’re aiming to support the expansion of this important market.
“Well-trained flour millers and mill staff, who understand grain technology, processing, equipment, and food handling, will enhance the efficiency and operation of the Indonesian milling industry.”
Richard said, “Grains Australia is very pleased to be working with Katalis, AEGIC and our partners in the flour milling industry in Indonesia to optimise the value of Australian wheat.”
Paul Bartlett, Director, Katalis said, “In addition to the immediate benefits to skills that will result from the online learning program in grain technology and mill processing for Indonesian flour mills, we hope to develop deeper commercial ties between Indonesian flour millers and Australian wheat suppliers, which leads to the expansion of the flour and flour-based foods markets in Indonesia, potentially into third markets.”
The program is expected to have a strong positive impact on women, particularly the women-owned businesses and women employees working in the rapidly emerging segment of artisan and boutique bakeries supplying Indonesian consumers with innovative, value-adding bakery products.
About Katalis
IA-CEPA ECP Katalis (Katalis) is a unique, five-year (2020-25) government-backed business development program unlocking the vast potential of economic partnership between Australia and Indonesia. Katalis was established under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Economic Cooperation Program (IA-CEPA ECP). The program complements other Australian development programs with a commercially oriented, bilateral approach and places gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) at the centre of everything we do.
About AEGIC
The Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) is Australia’s leading organisation for market insight, innovation and applied solutions for the grains industry. AEGIC exists to increase value in the Australian grains industry by ensuring Australian grain meets the needs of customers and end-users.
About Grains Australia
Grains Australia delivers value to the Australian grains industry through the provision of industry good services including management of classification, trade market access, and market information and education that improves the industry’s competitiveness and profitability.
Grains Australia is an initiative of the Grains Research & 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.