South Perth, Western Australia
January 29, 2008
Representatives from 28 wheat
supply chain organisations met last week to discuss current and
future issues for the Australian wheat industry.
The forum, facilitated by the
Department of Agriculture
and Food, involved growers, operational and technical
experts from organisations including international traders and
marketers, wheat breeding companies, storage handling, road and
rail transporters, growers from Western Australia and South
Australia, AWB (International) Limited, Australian Bureau of
Statistics and domestic processors including the food and
ethanol sectors.
Department Grains Industry Director Peter Metcalfe said the
forum focused on reaching a consistent position on the issues
that needed to be addressed if there is a move to a less
regulated wheat market.
“One of the key issues discussed included the creation of a
non-political peak industry body to coordinate and facilitate a
range of functions including variety classification, laboratory
accreditation, receival standards and market signals in a
deregulated market,” he said.
“Also discussed was the need to have a firm framework in place
for wheat marketing by next season, to remove the uncertainly
for growers.”
Mr Metcalfe said each organisation represented at the forum was
currently developing strategies and business plans in
anticipation of a less regulated wheat market.
“The department will be finalising a draft report from the forum
which will be circulated for comment to forum participants by
the end of the month,” he said.
“Once completed, the department will send the report to the
Wheat Industry Expert Group which is responsible for providing
advice to the Federal Government on policies to support the
wheat industry.
“Briefings will also be arranged with the Wheat Export
Commission and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
to present Western Australia’s views.”
|
|
