The National Policy Group (NPG) met in Sydney this week for a productive discussion on a range of policy and industry priorities impacting Australian grain growers. Key topics included the Australian Government's current consultations on securing Australia's cleaner fuels industry and strengthening fuel security and resilience, with members considering the implications of fuel policy settings for farm input costs, freight and broader supply chain resilience. The group also discussed improving federal financial assistance grants to local governments for road funding and the emerging land use implications of data centres, including the potential impacts on agricultural land, regional communities and resource competition.
The NPG also considered several GrainGrowers projects and policy initiatives. This included discussion on the farmer margins data project, which aims to improve understanding of farm profitability and business conditions, and a report assessing the safety of Australia's priority grain freight routes. Members approved an updated Drought Policy and discussed the development of a new Industry Data and Statistics Policy, aimed at ensuring ongoing access to high-quality public datasets to support evidence-based policy development and industry analysis.
The group also made significant progress on the development of GrainGrowers' 2027-28 Pre-Budget Submission, with discussion focused on key policy priorities and investment opportunities to support the long-term productivity, competitiveness, and resilience of the Australian grains industry amid increasing cost pressures and tightening farm margins.
Guest speakers from S&P Global and the Bureau of Meteorology provided valuable insights on global wheat and fertiliser markets, current market conditions and emerging risks. The Bureau also outlined its work supporting the agriculture sector and provided an update on the upcoming Future Directions Review. These contributions supported broader discussions on the economic, policy and environmental factors shaping the operating landscape for grain growers.
Interested in joining the NPG?
The National Policy Group guides GrainGrowers' policy positions and provides a valuable opportunity for growers to represent the views of their region on national issues affecting the industry.
You can express your interest in joining the NPG at any time via GrainGrowers’ website here.
Nominations for Western Region (SA & WA) representatives will close on 30 October 2026.