AgForce Grains
Achievements
Grains Contacts
Grains Issues
Grains Policy
Grains Links

AgForce Grains Key Policies

For a copy of the AgForce Grains key policy booklet, contact Lindsay Krieg on (07) 3236 3100.

 
Posted 2006
 

 
Mission Statement      TOP
 
 
To lead the Queensland grains industry and resolve issues on behalf of its members.

 
Objectives      TOP
 
AgForce Grains believes its role is to lead the Queensland grains industry in a progressive, vibrant and innovative way. To fulfil this aim, the board has established a set of objectives.
These objectives are important in ensuring the continued effectiveness, efficiency, development and management of the organisation, as well as the industry’s continued success into the future.
 
The agreed objectives are that:
  1. AgForce Grains continues to lobby strongly and effectively on behalf of its members and the Queensland grains industry.
  2. AgForce Grains works to grow its membership across all regions.
  3. AgForce Grains actively encourages participation by members in each region through open, responsive and effective communications.
  4. AgForce Grains continues to maintain its reputation as a highly regarded lobby group by other industry related organisations and government.
  5. AgForce Grains works to increase the involvement of young grain growers in the organisation in each region.
  6. AgForce Grains works to increase media coverage of its activities in each region.
Renewable energy    TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains will pursue the increased use of Bio Fuels in Australia.
Australia needs to have alternatives to finite fossil fuels such as oil.
 
2. AgForce Grains will pursue the continued development of a domestic Bio Fuels Industry.
A domestic renewable energy industry will help rural communities remain sustainable. Grain ethanol plants will be built in rural areas where grain production occurs. This will create local job opportunities and value added opportunities for growers.
 
3. AgForce Grains advocates reaching a target of 5% ethanol use in motor spirit by 2010 and 10% by 2015.
AgForce Grains believes that the current voluntary target of 350 million litres by 2010 is inadequate to establish E10 as a mainstream product. To help establish a domestic industry before fuel excise on renewable fuels apply from 2011, the target should be 5% by 2010 and 10% by 2015. Excise relief for renewable fuels should be extended if this target is un-obtainable. AgForce Grains supports the development of “flexi fuel” vehicles capable of safely using ethanol blends of up to E85, helping to achieve the overall average of 5% and 10% targets.
 
4. AgForce Grains will promote the use of and benefits of renewable fuels to the community, especially motorists.
This will be based around the following points:
  • The environmental and health benefits such as 25% cleaner emissions and reduced green house gases from an E10 blended fuel.
  • The economic benefits to the community such as “crude oil import replacement” and local regional jobs.
  • Reduced reliance on fossil fuels from a sustainable, renewable energy source; and
  • Dispel the myths of any negativity to motorists and other feed grain users.
5. AgForce Grains will work with other industries, governments and community groups to help achieve greater consumption of renewable fuels.
AgForce Grains supports industry sectors also aware of the potential benefits of renewable fuels, such as the Australian Medical Association. AgForce Grains will continue to work with groups such as the Clean Air Alliance to help achieve the outcomes that are beneficial to our economy and environment.
 
Grain storage and transport services     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains must be consulted by the main industry participants in regard to their negotiating and co-ordinating of Queensland rail freights for grain.
The importance of effective communication between co-ordinating parties is imperative to the future success and continuance of any such negotiations. 
 
2. AgForce Grains seeks to retain the Grain Harvest Management Scheme (GHMS) in its current form as a benefit to members and as a service to the industry.
This scheme is now regarded as very successful among government and industry and must be retained.
 
3. AgForce Grains encourages closer working relations between bulk handlers to minimise duplication of any strategic storage and handling investments where grower funds are used.
In the interests of an efficient state storage and handling system, duplication of infrastructure from grower-funded resources must be minimised.
 
4. AgForce Grains encourages participants in the grain industry to work towards least cost pathways for grain movement.
The flow of grain from country storage to port must work to minimise cost and avoid inefficient use of resources and double handling.
 
5. AgForce Grains is to maintain good working relationships with bulk handlers to ensure satisfactory outcomes for growers.
As part of Queensland growers’ requirements for the future operation of Queensland storage operations, it is necessary that Queensland growers have a structure or capability to provide input into the organisation and operation of their local depot.
 
 
 
Marketing including the Single Desk for Export Wheat     TOP
 
1. While there is a net benefit to growers, AgForce Grains supports the single desk export powers for wheat marketing.
The current single desk wheat export arrangements have the overwhelming support of AgForce Grains members and to maintain these arrangements legislative backing is essential. Any breakdown of the single desk arrangements would not only impact on growers’ profits - which would be captured by multinationals and middlemen – but also have broader ramifications for the whole economy, particularly rural and regional communities. Similarly the concept of an ‘at Port model’ would see benefits such as Golden Rewards removed.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports deregulated markets for all grains other than export wheat.
The Queensland Government has legislated to review state marketing powers for wheat in the event of the loss or change to the current wheat export single desk status.
 
3. AgForce Grains requires growers being provided with timely, accurate and adequate market information to allow them to make informed cropping and marketing decisions.
As growers take on more responsibility for marketing their crops, market information is essential. Currently information is adequate.
 
 
 
Single Desk for Wheat Marketing as at October 2006    TOP
 
Given recent events surrounding the Single Desk for Wheat Marketing the following is an account of the AgForce Grains Ltd policy.
At the October 2006 board meeting of AgForce Grains Ltd the policy on the Single Desk for Wheat Marketing was revisited. The policy as stated in the AgForce Grains Policy Booklet 2006 was accepted to remain as the base policy but additions were made.
AgForce Grains is not willing to lock itself into a position prior to the Cole Inquiry findings being handed down. Post Cole AgForce Grains will be ready to act with the following policy and principles attached.
 
The basic policy is:
 
While there is a net benefit to growers, AgForce Grains supports the single desk export powers for wheat marketing.
 
The current single desk wheat export arrangements have the overwhelming support of AgForce Grains members and to maintain these arrangements legislative backing is essential. Any breakdown of the single desk arrangements would not only impact on growers’ profits - which would be captured by multinationals and middlemen – but also have broader ramifications for the whole economy, particularly rural and regional communities. Similarly the concept of an ‘at Port model’ would see benefits such as Golden Rewards removed.
(AgForce Grains Policy Booklet 2006)
 
The policy developed by the Grains Council of Australia with input from the AgForce delegates to that group was also accepted by the AgForce Grains board. This policy outlines four principles that any single desk must comply by.
 
AgForce believes the Single Desk for Wheat Marketing should meet these principles: 
  • Grower ownership and control of the core elements of the single desk (including a veto over non single desk bulk exports)
  • Security of payment to pool participants
  • Maximisation of net returns to pool participants through the development of efficiencies in the supply chain and the through the development of an advantageous market position for Australian wheat and,
  • The highest levels of corporate governance and transparency to ensure the system is providing the best possible service and returns to pool participants.
 
For more information please contact AgForce Grains policy director Lindsay Krieg on (07) 3238 6036 or lindsay.krieg@agforceqld.org.au
 
Biosecurity     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains strongly supports the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) in its protection of our quarantine status, covering all areas including tourism, fertiliser, machinery and all other imports.
It is the role of the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service to protect the unique grain quality and quarantine status that Australia enjoys. AgForce Grains supports the protocols ensuring the denaturing of imported grain currently in place to protect our industries.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports the import protocols developed between government and industry for grain, provided the imported grain is denatured within metropolitan areas before use.
Our grain quality and quarantine status is sacrosanct and AgForce Grains strongly supports the strict and involved quarantine procedures necessary for any grain imports. The position held by AgForce is in place to protect the productivity of our agricultural industries and to ensure Australia’s export trade status and international customer relations can be maintained.
 
3. AgForce Grains is totally opposed to any relaxation of the current tolerance to restricted seed in imported products.
Imports of all types - machinery, manufactured stock feed, fertiliser, or whole grain (feed or milling) - must be strictly monitored for the presence of any restricted seeds or other potential incursion problems.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports the grains industry’s involvement in Plant Health Australia as it provides a co-ordinating body to effectively manage the risk of pests, diseases and weeds that affect commercial crops.
With the increase in international tourism and trade, the risk of pest incursion is becoming greater. AgForce Grains supports the National Grains Industry Bio-security plan and the emergency plant pest response deed.
 
5. AgForce Grains will actively pursue the inclusion of weeds in the National Grains Industry Biosecurity Plan.
Without the inclusion of weeds into the Bio-security plan AgForce Grains considers the plan incomplete in covering all potential grains industry exotic incursions.
 
Research, development and extension     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains requires that grain growers hold the majority of Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) board positions.
With grain growers contributing more than 65% of GRDC income, the direction of the GRDC needs to reflect the needs of all grain growers. The current growers’ presence at the GRDC board level is not considered adequate. AgForce Grains believes at least four board directors should qualify as growers.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports the GRDC being corporatised.
In line with recent corporatisation of grains industry bodies, a corporatised GRDC would create a requirement for a particular number of board directors to qualify as growers and be duly elected by grower levy payers. AgForce Grains believes that at least six board members need to be directly elected.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports the current 1% farm gate research levy.
While supporting this levy, there is concern over the extent to which growers will pay the increasing amount of varying seed royalties, whether it is through breeder’s rights and end point royalties, or simply through higher seed prices.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports End Point Royalties providing that there are time limits, price limits, no closed loops, full transparency, grower-to-grower sales and that the revenue is not used for commercialisation but returned to breeding. Collection to be cost effective and preferably linked to Government collection schemes.
While supporting royalties, there is concern over the commercialisation and availability of Government (or publicly) bred grower-funded varieties and the combined grower contribution to research.
 
5. AgForce Grains supports the current level of State and Federal funding for rural research.
Growers contribute considerable levels of funding to grains R&D. AgForce asks that both the State and Federal governments are equitable in their R&D contributions relative to grower contributions across the various rural industries.
 
6. AgForce Grains continue to pursue recognition of grower equity in the Leslie Research Centre.
Queensland grain growers supplied the initial funding to the Leslie Research Centre but have no legal ownership. Control is currently vested in the State Government.
 
7. AgForce Grains to pursue alternative structures to the current statutory authority structure of the Grains Research Foundation.
The Grains Research Foundation (GRF) is a Queensland grower-funded organisation co-ordinating and funding grains industry research. The structure of the GRF should be reviewed allowing it to operate to the best of its ability in today’s commercial environment.
 
Farm machinery movement     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains supports the current Movement of Ag Machinery Guidelines to reduce the general permit requirements for machinery transport.
As today’s farming operations are increasingly non-neighbouring, there are greater requirements for our members to travel their machinery in the public road network. The movement of agricultural machinery guidelines provide general requirements for safety and signage.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports an easing of the restrictions of oversize movement during public holidays to recognise the necessity in farming operations.
At times, restrictions of moving over-dimension vehicles cause difficulties in farming operations. AgForce has worked with Queensland Transport to address these issues and will continue to do so, particularly in relation to Easter and Christmas periods.
 
3. AgForce Grains opposes any move to enforce further requirements on farm machinery for extra requirements for specific brake lights.
Not all farm machinery has the complete lighting components required for road usage under state regulation. Requirements to change and modify machinery through such specifications are often unreasonable, impractical and uneconomic. Provided that appropriate permits, escorts and safety precautions are taken, there is no real need to enforce further extra requirements for specific warning lights on machinery.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports continued permits for movement of machinery outside the specification of the guidelines.
Machinery movements outside the specific guidelines will continue to require appropriate permits to be sought by transporters, prior to movement of machinery. This is an immediate safety requirement and is essential for the safe movement of machinery to occur.
 
5. AgForce Grains will continue to work with Queensland Transport where available to further refine conditional registration to suit primary industry maintaining a minimal cost.
The conditional registration scheme in place in Queensland is a component of the national heavy vehicle registration package being adopted by registration authorities throughout Australia. Conditional Registration provides consistent access for small infrequent needs to cross or travel short distances along roads with machinery. Conditional registration makes this process easier and cheaper, especially for tractors that are often the main lead machine for many operations on the farm.
 
 
 
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains supports continued research into trialling and testing of individual agricultural products.
The development of genetic modification (GM) in plant breeding has the potential to offer significant benefits in production and addressing agronomic difficulties. Ensuring our industry is at the forefront of research and development is critical for Australia to compete internationally.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports the comprehensive and rigorous science-based assessment of genetically modified species and products.
Any GM development must pass the necessary scientific test regulated by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. Before release into the environment, industry must understand the capabilities and uses for any new developments.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator in ensuring that responsibility of research trials be strictly contained within the legislated guidelines.
The Federal Office of the Gene Technology Regulator is the legislated body to control the release of any genetically modified organism. The regulator assesses each new Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) variety ensuring its human health and environmental safety aspects. Such regulatory mechanisms ensure the controlled development and release of GMOs.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports grain growers having access to an affordable choice of the latest research technology that is best suited to their production needs.
The agronomic options available to a producer affect their ability to compete in a chosen production environment. It is critical that growers have access to the best production systems suited to their environments. Access through affordable choices of the latest research technology ensures a more uniform distribution of productive power and productive advantage within the industry.
 
5. AgForce Grains encourages further education and balance in information to the general public regarding their uses of gene technology.
Consumer satisfaction and confidence is essential in maintaining, developing and providing for the public good within the community. Current public knowledge of the use of gene technology has been poorly understood and managed in the past. The need for further education and availability of information to the public is becoming of increasing importance to many consumers.
 
6. AgForce Grains supports individual grain growers having the right to maintain their current farming and marketing practices in the event of the release of GMO crop varieties for commercial production.
In the event of the release of GMO crops for commercial purposes, producers choosing to utilise their traditional or current marketing and production systems should not be negatively impacted in regard to supply chain costs or market access.
 
Profitability and sustainability     TOP
1. AgForce Grains supports the award free status of the Queensland grain industry.
While the grains industry has remained award free status to date, AgForce Grains considers that employment demand and market forces are best placed to set remuneration levels.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports the development of new cropping options.
AgForce Grains supports the research and development of new crops, such as industrial hemp and new uses for grains such as bio plastics and renewable fuels that provide grain growers with more options for their farm production.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports the continued development of sustainable farming systems.
Sustainable farming systems are essential if an acceptable level of production is to be maintained within the bounds of production constraints - social, economic and environmental - in the future.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports the development of a joint grains industry manual of current recommended practice for crop production, capable of highlighting environmental benefits already achieved by the grains industry.
 
Grain quality receival standards     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains requires an industry approach to the flexibility of wheat delivery standards to ensure the quality, quantity and value of harvested wheat is maximised for the grain grower.
Continually, the northern grains region faces the threat of quality downgrade from wet weather at harvest. In order for the industry to capture the greatest achievable quality for the Queensland crop, a flexible approach to receival arrangements is required.
 
2. AgForce Grains requires the continued involvement of grain growers in the setting of grain receival standards by AWB Limited, GrainCorp and the National Agricultural Committee Marketing Association (NACMA).
While recognising the need for uniform standards, grain growers need to have continued future involvement in the negotiations that create the generic industry receival standards.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports grain quality measurements, against which grain is received and growers paid, being carried out objectively.
Objective measurements of quality are determined against pre-determined standards, from which the price received by the grower is calculated. Objectivity is essential so that a high quality product is maintained throughout the supply chain.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports studies into the receival, storage and marketing of wheat with moisture greater than 13%.
Continued research is required into the receival, storage and marketing of wheat at higher moisture to capture premiums applicable to maximum achievable quality with a given crop at the time of harvest. Achieving maximum captured quality increases the total value of a crop grade for all of the industry.
 
Training, education and farm safety     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains supports future training opportunities for grain growers so they have access to the latest developments in their technical and business operations.
Effective access to the latest developments in business and farming operations is essential for the future success of our members. Most of these developmental opportunities are easily provided through various training options.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports grain growers being provided with practical educational programs to assist them in making better cropping and marketing decisions.
The ability of producers to make sound cropping and marketing decisions depends heavily on the amount of information available on meeting market needs. This access to information to allow cropping choice is critical to the profitability of the producer and can also be used as a basic indicator of the ultimate viability, success and feasibility of a production choice. This, is turn, determines the relative sustainability of production.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports positive advertising to increase rural awareness to the urban consumer.
The AgForce advertising campaign “Every Family needs a Farmer” is the beginning of a strategy to address the gap in understanding of rural issues with the urban population.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports any means to promote or increase the esteem of rural professionals in regard to their capabilities and outlook.
In the past there has been some ill feeling amongst the community at large with regard to farmers. This feeling needs to be dispelled through positive coverage promoting a professional outlook that is proud of our industry.
 
5. AgForce Grains supports a risk based approach to Work Place Health and Safety to ensure a safe work place on farms.
Farms are recognised as an area of risk for workplace accidents. AgForce Grains supports AgForce Training to provide cost effective and easy to use farm safety systems. Through a system of risk analysis, as outlined in the AgForce Rural Safety Management Manual and Workbook, this issue can be managed. AgForce Grains supports moves to create a culture of self assessment and improvement to make the farming workplace safer for all involved in agriculture.
 
Food safety     TOP
 
1. AgForce Grains supports the availability of a voluntary on-farm Quality Assurance (QA) program that is cost effective, flexible and which is compatible with other on farm QA programs and complies with Food Safety Standards.
In order to meet the changing consumer needs for quality, GrainCare has been developed by the grains industry allowing basic entry-level on-farm quality assurance accreditation. On farm QA must be voluntary, market-driven programs compatible with other on farm quality QA programs, and comply with Food Safety Standards.
 
2. AgForce Grains supports continued labelling requirements for farm inputs to ensure that all food safety requirements for our domestic and export markets are met.
Food safety is of high importance in the minds of all consumers, both for the domestic and export markets. In order to maintain a high degree of food safety, growers need a clear indication of the ingredients of their farm inputs. Effective truth in labelling addresses the risks to avoid the potential for contamination or excessive residues.
 
3. AgForce Grains supports growers paying a levy to the National Residue Survey (NRS) on both domestic and export sales to monitor grains chemical residue free status.
Due to the importance of food safety in market demands, the Australian grains industry has continually proven its clean, safe status through the NRS. A levy paid to provide the NRS is both a safeguard and an information mechanism to reinforce the quality and food safety of Australian grain.
 
4. AgForce Grains supports the industry’s voluntary use of a Commodity Vendor Declaration Form for grain sales regarding chemical application and prescribed weeds and weed seeds.
In order to safeguard sensitive markets and control and reduce the spread of prescribed weeds, it is important to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and confidence in a given product. The use of a Commodity Vendor Declaration for grains sales is one step towards a more balanced safety network.