The Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism, and Investment the Hon Dan Tehan met with South Australian grain farmers today to get a seasonal outlook and to discuss how access to markets can ensure growers can take advantage of positive seasons. Hosted by GrainGrowers Board Director and industry stalwart Richard Konzag and his family, it was a chance for the Minister to get an update on-farm activities at the start of the winter cropping season as he leads Australia’s efforts to secure a range of new trade agreements.
“Minister Tehan has strong connections to the agricultural sector and has a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by our growers.” said David McKeon GrainGrowers CEO.
“This was a timely opportunity to talk through the need for ongoing effort and investment in opening new markets and accelerated market development particularly for the barley industry, but also across all grains. The strong partnership with industry and government to improve market access is more important now than ever, with the current case in front of the World Trade Organisation regarding Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and active negotiations underway on critical agreements such as the Australian-EU FTA.”
The Minister toured the Konzag grain farm in the Mallala area where they produce wheat, barley, lentils, faba beans, chickpeas, canola and oaten hay. The Konzag family have been farming in the area since 1911. Joining the visit were local farmers and representatives from the National Farmers Federation and Grains Australia.
“It was timely for the Minister to be able to discuss these issues directly with growers today as the ABARES Crop Report was also released that shows favourable seasonable conditions and high world prices are expected to drive winter crops nationally to a record high. A big crop means a big export task, making the ongoing efforts of government on improving market access
even more important.”
