Uncertainty about the size of this year’s crop has prompted the Grains Licensing Authority of Western Australia to seek an extension on the timeframe required to consider special licences.

Grains Licensing Authority (GLA) chairman Colin Mann said two special licence applications for feed and malting barley received on 21 May 2004, would not be determined until later in the year.

“Under the Grain Marketing Act 2002, the Authority is required to make a decision on applications as soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after receipt of the application and prescribed fee,” Mr Mann said.

“In the normal course of events, decisions on the special licence applications would have been due by 22 June 2004.

“However due to the current uncertainty of the size of crop production this year, the GLA will be best placed to make its decision in mid August when there will be an improved understanding of potential and likely crop size.”

As required by the Act, the Authority requested and received approval from the Agriculture Minister to extend the decision making timeframe to mid August.

Mr Mann said all applications would continue to be considered on their merits, however if received before mid July an extension of time would be sought for a decision.

He said to assist all stakeholders in the lead up to the coming season, a set of operating principles have been developed to assist the equitable issuing of special export licences.

“All applications up to mid July 2004 will be treated equally (including the two received to date) and after mid July applications will continue to be treated on their merits.

“Under normal circumstances there will be a 60,000 tonne limit per special export licence for the prescribed grain and special export licences will normally be issued for one year only.

“Preference will be given to issuing licences into markets that are not currently serviced by the main licence holder.”

Mr Mann said the GLA was finalising its annual report to the Minister on the operation and effectiveness of the special licensing scheme under the Act and would be submitted it to him in the near future.