GeelongPort is Victoria’s largest bulk port. Source: GeelongPort

VICTORIA’s grain exports had an expressive year of growth up 73 percent to $4.4 billion in 2021-22, according to a report released by Agriculture Victoria.

Overall, Victoria’s food and fibre exports reached a record high, valued at $17.9B in 2021-22 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year.

Grain was the state’s most significant food and fibre export commodity, accounting for 25 per cent of Victoria’s total food and fibre exports.

Titled Victoria’s 2021-22 Food and Fibre Export Performance, the report featured results that showcased the strength of the state’s exports.

The results cements Victoria’s position as Australia’s largest food and fibre exporter by value, accounting for 26pc of the national total.

A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) spokesperson said these results are a testament to the resilience and agility of our producers, manufacturers and exporters, and highlights the strong global demand for our produce.

“Our state remains on track to meet or exceed the Victorian Government’s target of increasing the state’s food and fibre exports to $20 billion by 2030.”

“We can see strong export growth across a range of industries and markets, with 10 out of 12 commodity groups registering impressive growth in export value.”

China remained the most valuable export market for Victorian food and fibre exports, with exports reaching $4.4B, up 21pc from the previous year.

Out of Victoria’s top five export markets, the United States and Indonesia experienced the largest growth in export value, both up 37pc on the previous year.

As Victoria’s largest bulk port, GeelongPort played a key role in sustaining agricultural productivity and contributing to the success of Victorian farmers.

Elias Anastasiou, General Manager Commercial at GeelongPort said he was proud of the organisation’s key role in exporting this critical commodity with one customer Riordan Grain Services exporting more than half a million tonnes of grain through GeelongPort during the 2022/23 financial year.

“At GeelongPort we work together with our customers in a collaborative and agile way to maximise grain exports through the port,” he said.

“We take a different approach to exporting grain – bulk carriers are loaded using an innovative system where grain can be moved directly from the farm using a mobile conveyor system that allows trucks to be emptied directly into the ship.”

GeelongPort also ensures that Victorian farmers have access to in-demand fertiliser to ensure cropping farmers yield even more from their crops.

In 2022-23, GeelongPort facilitated the import of approximately 1.7 million tonnes of fertiliser and we anticipate another strong year of fertiliser imports.

A Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions spokesperson was also encouraged by these results.

“Our exporters continue to grow and reach new markets, enhancing our reputation as a producer of high-quality products on the world stage.”

“Once again, Victoria’s farmers and food manufacturers have demonstrated their ability to deliver high quality, globally competitive food and fibre exports to the world,” said the DJSIR spokesperson.

Source: Agriculture Victoria, GeelongPort