THE AUSTRALIAN Grain Industry Code of Practice has been revised and republished by Grain Trade Australia (GTA) to promote awareness and compliance throughout the grains sector.

Mandatory for members and recommended for all industry participants, the updated code was recently published on the GTA website, along with the Grain Transport Code of Practice (TCOP) and 20 Technical Guideline Documents (TGDs) which form the base standard for management of grain along the supply chain.

The codes and guidelines not only support self-regulation but also garner confidence among consumers, growers, government and researchers that Australian grain will meet all laws and regulations throughout grain growing, grading, testing, storage and transport to the point of end use, and maintain relevant Workplace Health and Safety standards.

“While each industry participant manages their operation individually, for example internal systems and interface with suppliers and customers, the code identifies and writes down for all to see areas of commonality in standards, operating procedures and processes,” GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy said

“It is a living document.  First adopted across industry in 2014, the May 2018 revision comes after months of consultation with working-group members drawn from the production sector, transport operators, supply chain/logistic managers, container packers, bulk handlers and port operators both container and bulk, as well as exporters small and large.

Mr O’Shannassy said preparation of the revised code was supported, funded and endorsed the Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Code Assessment Program to launch soon

GTA is close to launching an online learning tool, using a set of multiple-choice questions, to encourage industry participants to familiarise themselves with the revised code and guidelines.

Mr O’Shannassy said the on-line learning delivery induction and assessment program would be road-tested with GTA members prior to going live.

The latest information on the revised code and guidelines, along with the Code Assessment Program, will be presented at the Australian Grain Industry Conference in Melbourne in the Thursday, August 2, afternoon session entitled Facilitating trade: Stewardship, technology and collaboration.

The AGIC will be held in Melbourne on August 1-2, 2018. Visit: https://www.ausgrainsconf.com/