Helping the grains industry increase productivity

by S. C.

The grains industry will benefit from a new Rudd Government initiative to identify opportunities for productivity improvements.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the $1.9 million Harvesting Productivity initiative, to be undertaken by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE), will help determine productivity drivers and constraints.

Opening the 2009 Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne today Mr Burke said improved productivity was the key to a competitive and sustainable grains industry, both at an individual farm level and across the industry.

“Productivity improvements are central to ensuring Australian producers can meet the challenges of a changing climate, fluctuating input and commodity prices, and be part of the solution to global food security,” Mr Burke said.

“Ten years ago, grains productivity growth outperformed other broadacre industries such as sheep, beef and mixed enterprises. But now it has fallen, and while drought has certainly played a role, the other factors remain unclear.

“Harvesting Productivity will help to identify factors that affect productivity, and will look at research, development and extension areas where we can make a valuable contribution to long-term productivity.

Mr Burke applauded industry’s response to the recent government reforms of wheat export marketing arrangements.

“Australian producers are the most innovative and flexible in the world, finally we have a wheat marketing system that rewards this,” Mr Burke said.

“Since the Rudd Government’s wheat marketing reforms were implemented in July last year 23 bulk exporters have been accredited – growers are changing the way they do business.

“It’s the farmer’s land, the farmer’s wheat, the farmer’s customer and now, for the first time, it’s also the farmer’s choice.

“Wheat Exports Australia figures show Australia has exported 7.83 million tonnes of bulk wheat to 40 countries since October 2008.”

The Wheat Export Accreditation Scheme was established as part of the government’s reforms and delivers on a key election commitment.