GRAINGROWERS is proposing a new membership category through a constitutional change that would allow State Farming Organisations to apply for membership.

Members will be asked to vote on the constitutional amendments at its annual general meeting on October 7.

The grains industry has two official representative organisations, GrainGrowers and Grain Producers Australia, but SFOs have traditionally only been members of GPA.

The development comes several months after NSW Farmers and Grain Producers South Australia ceased financial membership of GPA.

GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said the proposed changes followed grower feedback and approaches from NSW Farmers and GPSA, which were both seeking representation on national issues.

“Growers have consistently told us they want to see a stronger and more united voice on national grain industry issues,” Mr Turton said.

“This proposal provides a way for like-minded organisations to work more closely together while ensuring GrainGrowers remains firmly grower-led.”

“The issues facing Australian grain growers are becoming more complex, from rising costs and regulation through to trade and market uncertainty.

“By working together, organisations with shared objectives can amplify and increase our collective influence on issues that matter most.”

Mr Turton said this was what prompted NSW Farmers and GPSA to sign Memorandums of Understanding with GrainGrowers to enable the organisations to work together in the meantime.

“GrainGrowers is a strong advocate on behalf of its grower members.

“With the introduction of an SFO membership category, we can better harness the expertise, networks and advocacy strengths of complementary organisations.

“Together, we can deliver a stronger, more coordinated voice for Australian grain growers at a national level.”

Under the proposed changes, any SFO admitted as a member would hold a single vote as a membership entity.

“These changes do not alter the voting rights of existing grower members in any way,” Mr Turton said.

“Every grower member retains exactly the same rights they have today.

The proposal is about bringing organisations together around shared goals, not changing who governs GrainGrowers.”

“The Board’s firm view is that the organisation must remain grower-led, grower-governed and focused on delivering outcomes for grain growers.

This proposal strengthens our ability to advocate on behalf of growers while preserving those foundations.”

Time of change

While the proposal is intended to provide a “stronger and more united voice”, the move could perpetuate or even deepen the divide between the ROs, given there is no indication that other SFOs or GPA have opted to join the MoU process or become formal members of GrainGrowers.

GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said the organisation “ha[d] always been and remains open to working with organisations which share its objective to empower growers through advocacy, capacity building and engagement”.

“GrainGrowers is a national organisation and it’s imperative to keep that focus for growers across the country.

Rhys Turton.

“We share representative organisation status with Grain Producers Australia and will keep working hard with all stakeholders to advocate for better outcomes for growers.”

RO differences

The announcement also highlights the differences between the two ROs in their operations, functions and finances.

GPA has a paid membership structure, with SFOs and growers paying either a negotiated fee or a production-based levy to join the organisation.

This forms the majority of GPA’s revenue, which funds its operations and industry functions, including pesticide permits, mouse bait access, levy reviews and advocacy on a range of issues.

In its financial report for the year to March 31, GPA recorded a loss of just over $128,000, revenue of $841,810 and expenses of $970,777.

Expenses were mostly attributed to projects at $307,953, consultants and contractors at $273,423, and employee costs at $202,751.

In contrast, GrainGrowers offers free membership to growers, and has more than 15,000 members.

There is no indication at this point whether the SFOs will pay to be members under the new constitution structure; however, it appears unlikely at this stage.

GrainGrowers’ financials are also vastly different to GPA.

While its results for the financial year to June 30 are yet to be released, it posted a profit after tax of $7.2 million in FY25, up from $4.2M in FY24.

The annual report also showed a $7.7M jump in its investment portfolio to $134.8M in FY25.

GrainGrowers’ expenses for the year were $7.56M, with employment costs accounting for the largest share at $4.47M, followed by $1.48M in project costs.

Released in September, the report also revealed expenses for politically-aligned causes and $220,000 for National Farmers Federation membership.

Politicking expenses included $30,000 for annual membership to the Federal Labor Business Forum, which gets GrainGrowers into some Labor events, and a further payment of $2520 was made to the forum during the year for attendance at others.

Another $11,000 was paid to the National Party to attend various similar political functions during the year.

GrainGrowers will be consulting with members at events taking place across the country over the coming weeks, and also plans to hold a webinar.

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