GrainGrowers took part in the National Bush Summit in Dubbo, NSW, in late August. Photo: GrainGrowers

GRAINGROWERS members have voted in favour of historic constitutional changes which will strengthen the organisation’s ability to advocate on behalf of grain growers nationally.

The constitutional amendment creates a pathway for state farming organisations (SFOs) to apply for membership of GrainGrowers.

The vote was held at Graingrowers’ annual general meeting held this morning, and will enable SFOs to contribute to policy development through the organisation’s governance framework, while maintaining GrainGrowers’ grower-led and grower-governed structure.

Members also re-elected current chair Rhys Turton from York in Western Australia and Richard Konzag from Mallala in South Australia as the Western Region directors on the GrainGrowers Board.

GrainGrowers deputy chair Nigel Corish said the result reflected members’ recognition that many of the biggest issues facing grain growers require a coordinated national response.

“From input costs and workforce shortages through to freight, market access and regulation, growers are increasingly dealing with challenges that extend beyond state borders,” Mr Corish said.

“At the end of the day, this is about making sure GrainGrowers is drawing on the best available expertise from as many growers as possible when advocating on their behalf.”

Mr Corish said the changes would strengthen industry input into GrainGrowers’ policy work while maintaining the rights of existing members.

“Importantly, GrainGrowers remains grower-led and grower-governed, with no changes to the Board structure or the voting rights of individual members.

“Good policy starts with understanding what’s happening on the ground.

“These changes will help make sure GrainGrowers continues to hear directly from growers and industry leaders right across the country.”

Mr Corish congratulated Mr Turton and Mr Konzag on their re-election.

“Rhys and Richard have both made a valuable contribution to the board, and their re-election reflects the confidence members have in their leadership and representation of growers.

“We also thank John Hassell who took part in the election, demonstrating his on-going engagement with grower representation.

“Members have backed a practical change that will help GrainGrowers keep delivering for Australian growers and strengthening its advocacy on the issues that matter most to grain-growing businesses.”

Source: GrainGrowers