GPA chair and WA grower Barry Large.

FOR the first time since the system was introduced, Grain Producers Australia has opened a formal survey inviting growers to comment on a proposal to adjust the grain levies.

GPA is proposing to shift a greater share of levy funds towards biosecurity, reducing the portion allocated to research and development.

The survey is part of an ongoing levy review process which was launched by GPA in mid-2022.

Currently, the levy is calculated as 1.02 percent of the farm gate value of the crop, divided as follows:

• 0.99pc to the Grains Research and Development Corporation,
• 0.01pc to Plant Health Australia,
• 0.015pc to National Residue Survey; and,
• 0.005pc the emergency plant protection response .

The GPA proposal includes reducing the GRDC proposal to 0.79pc and increasing the PHA component to 0.07pc, while keeping the other two allocations the same.

The suggestion comes as GRDC’s cash reserves hit a record high of $730 million with the organisation recently announcing an increase in its research and development spend by $60M per year.

This would see GRDC’s total annual RD&E investment rise from a forecast of around $275M to $335M by 2028-29.

GPA is arguing a proportion of these funds would be better spent in boosting biosecurity activities across preparedness, surveillance, and responses.

It follows a recent detection in imported nappy pants of Khapra beetle larvae; the beetle is estimated to pose a a $15.5-billion threat to the Australian grains industry if it were to become established.

A business case for increased investment featured in GPA’s recent Biosecurity Plan for the Australian Grains Industry (2023-2028) report, which found a rise in spending of about $10.5M a year would deliver significant biosecurity benefits in key areas.

These included:

• enhanced Grains Farm Biosecurity Program;
• resources to develop contemporary pest risk biosecurity preparedness plans for the 29 priority grains plant pests; market access intelligence and contingency planning;
• the rollout of pest surveillance technologies and pest traps at high-risk cargo points of entry;
• the establishment of national training programs growers, agronomists and supply chain participants;
• support for low-cost diagnostic services; and,
• enhanced reporting and analysis of pest surveillance data.

All urged to participate

The survey is open now and is scheduled to close on October 24.

Western Australian grower and GPA chair Barry Large said this was the first time growers would have the opportunity to comment on the rate and allocation of grain levies.

He urged all levy payers to spend around three to five minutes completing the survey.

“It’s compulsory to pay levies and GPA wants to ensure we optimise the value and benefits they deliver, not only to growers but also industry,” Mr Large said.

“This is especially true in critical areas such as biosecurity, with the ability to invest more into stronger protections.

“Despite the system starting in about 1989, there’s no formal/official voting system in place to determine grain levy rates, at regular intervals.

“If it’s compulsory to vote in Australia, and it’s compulsory to pay levies, why shouldn’t growers have a say on the rates they pay and determine the pathway forward?”

Australian Regional Insights is conducting this poll/survey.

Data analysis and reporting will be conducted by Australian Regional Insights, with all results presented in a non-identifiable, aggregated format.

GPA will provide the results of the survey and any recommendations to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins.

Under the relevant legislation and regulation, Ms Collins has the authority to alter the levy rate and allocation.