Phosphine is the primary fumigant used across Australia’s grains industry to manage storage pests and meet export market requirements for insect-free grain. Photo: Sandra Godwin/GRDC.

THE GRAINS Research and Development Corporation is investing $4.7 million in a coordinated program to help Australian growers and the grain supply chain prepare for upcoming phosphine regulatory changes.

Phosphine is the primary fumigant used across Australia’s grains industry to manage storage pests and meet export market requirements for insect-free grain.

Safe Work Australia is introducing significantly lower worker exposure limits for phosphine, with implementation currently scheduled for 1 December 2026.

Yesterday, the Western Australian Government announced it would defer the changes until December 2029, putting it in line with Victoria’s timeframe, while the South Australian Government has deferred its implementation until July 2028.

GRDC manager biosecurity and regulation Amy Koschella said the regulatory changes are likely to impact on-farm grain storage and grain delivery practices across the supply chain.

“These changes represent one of the most significant shifts in phosphine management in recent years,” Dr Koschella said.

“GRDC is investing to ensure growers have the information, tools and evidence needed to adapt.

“Phosphine remains an essential tool for protecting stored grain and maintaining market access, so our focus is on supporting practical, science-based solutions that allow growers to continue using phosphine safely and effectively.”

The GRDC investment program includes research to better understand phosphine exposure across the grain supply chain, development of a practical on-farm testing procedure, and generation of data to support future phosphine label updates.

The program is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

The work is being guided by a steering committee representing 18 organisations from across the grain value chain, including researchers, grain handlers, grain-storage specialists, and chemical suppliers.

Dr Koschella said growers should be aware that the regulatory environment continues to evolve.

“While the current implementation date in [three] states remains 1 December 2026, there are ongoing discussions between industry and regulators, and some jurisdictions are considering different implementation timelines.

“GRDC is working closely with industry partners and regulators and will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.”

GRDC’s research program complements broader industry activities being coordinated through Grain Trade Australia, with both programs focused on supporting a nationally consistent and compliant approach to phosphine management under the new worker exposure limits.

Australian grain growers have significantly increased their on-farm storage capacity over the past decade, making phosphine management an increasingly important part of grain production and storage systems.

Further information on the regulatory changes and GRDC’s investment program will be provided as research findings emerge and additional guidance becomes available.

Source: GRDC