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National Farmers' Federation

Grains body gets down to business

The newly established National Farmers’ Federation Grains Policy Council (NFFGPC) met yesterday in Perth, consolidating its position as the peak national voice for grains producers.
Interim Chair, National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) CEO Matt Linnegar said the meeting covered both governance and policy matters.
“Today we moved closer to the appointment of an Independent Chair for the Council – a critical part of the success and longevity of the group,” said Mr Linnegar.
“Filling the position of Independent Chair is now well underway and I encourage any interested individuals to apply for the role over the coming weeks.”
The meeting also focused on important national policy issues including the operations of Grain Trade Australia (GTA), discussions with US corporation Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) on their GrainCorp bid and ensuring future national infrastructure priorities make adequate provision for future grain freight needs.
“NFFGPC Members expressed concern over the operation and function of GTA and will now work to develop solutions for discussion direct with GTA and other industry bodies,” Mr Linnegar said.
“Members also took the opportunity to raise questions and concerns directly with ADM on their GrainCorp takeover bid. While this ensured a healthy discussion, Members felt that in answering questions, nothing has substantively changed in terms of their concerns and implications for the interests of grain producers.”
Applications for the position of the NFFGPC Independent Chair will open next week.
The meeting coincided with the release of the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) crop report, which forecasts Australia’s grain production to increase by seven percent, to around 39.2 million tonnes, in 2013-14 – despite below average rainfall in parts of NSW, QLD and WA.
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