Identifying and defining new export opportunities for Australian canola meal in key Asian livestock sectors and the New Zealand dairy industry is the aim of a new project which will be led by Grains Australia.
Grains Australia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Simonaitis said the ultimate aim of the initiative was maximising value for growers from the production of canola, which is an important component of farming systems across most Australian cropping regions.
“By enabling diversification and growth of meal exports, the project will support higher ‘canola crush’ margins, strengthen farm-gate returns and encourage expansion of the canola industry,” Mr Simonaitis said.
“This project highlights the role that Grains Australia – an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation – plays in providing evidence-based market and consumer insights that inform decision making and improve the capability of the Australian grains industry.”
Mr Simonaitis said rising demand for canola oil had seen significant investment in Australia’s domestic canola crushing capacity, which had generated increasing amounts of canola meal as a byproduct.
“Australia produced about 640,000 tonnes of canola meal in 2024, and more than 90 per cent of this meal was used domestically,” he said.
“Domestic canola meal production is forecast to increase and will require new markets in both domestic and export feed industries.”
Mr Simonaitis said earlier work by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) had highlighted opportunities for Australian canola meal in the New Zealand dairy and Southeast Asian aquaculture industries.
“However, further work is needed to assess and prioritise additional high-value opportunities in Asia in particular, especially in sectors including pigs, poultry and dairy.”
In addition to identifying and defining new export opportunities for Australian canola meal, the project aims to:
- Address technical and knowledge gaps around the quality, nutritional value and advantages of Australian canola meal.
- Support market engagement with evidence-based resources that increase demand.
To guide the project, a working group will be established including representatives from Grains Australia and the AOF.
ENDS
Caption: A new project to be delivered by Grains Austraila will idenfity and define new export opportunities for Australian canola meal. Photo: GRDC