GrainGrowers’ National Policy Group met via video conference on 28 July 2020 due to COVID restrictions. The use of this technology enabled the group to discuss a range of important issues facing the Australian grains sector including workforce, sustainability, insurance, fuel security and trade.
Workforce – short term and future needs
Labour is an important agricultural input that is directly linked to business performance and profitability. The NPG discussed and identified the most important farm business workforce needs including barriers and opportunities. The NPG also raised the implications that COVID-19 may have upon the grains workforce and other key inputs needed for the coming Harvest.
These insights help inform our policy development and advocacy efforts and feed into GrainGrowers’ recommendations to the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy which seeks to address the future needs of the industry.
Grains Sustainability Framework
GrainGrowers continues to progress the Grains Sustainability Framework with Stage 2 now underway to develop baseline measures, indicators, and targets. The NPG considered and provided feedback on a list of potential indicators to ensure they will reflect industry's impact on the framework's three pillars of responsible stewardship, building capacity & wellbeing and consumer confidence.
Insurance
The NPG was joined by the Aither, project lead for NFF’s Financial Risk Management Project investigating insurance options. The workshop allowed NPG members to provide a grains specific view of agricultural insurance along with identifying barriers and opportunities. The project is set to conclude in late 2020. If growers wish to have their say they are encouraged to complete the following survey – Click here.
Liquid Fuel Security
Liquid fuel underpins much of the agriculture and grain supply chains with 84% of energy use on farm coming from diesel. COVID-19 has highlighted the need for Australia to ensure it manages the risks within its supply chain including access to vital inputs such as fuel. To support GrainGrowers advocacy on fuel security, a policy has been developed which was discussed by the NPG. The policy seeks outcomes including domestic reserves adhere to the international standards, that growers are considered an essential service, the promotion on an alternative fuel framework and several others. The policy will be finalized in the coming months.
Next Steps
GrainGrowers NPG will continue to meet via video conference until normal travel can resume. If you would like any further information about any of the issues discussed or provide feedback, please get in touch at enquiry@graingrowers.com.au or
(02) 9286 2000.
