GrainGrowers welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Select Committee on Productivity in Australia.
Productivity growth is fundamental to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Australia’s $29 billion grain industry. As an export-oriented sector operating in globally competitive commodity markets, Australian grain growers are price takers. They remain exposed to rising input costs, escalating land values and increasing climate variability, while facing sustained pressure from relatively low global grain prices. These factors are compressing margins and limiting the sector’s capacity to absorb inefficiencies.
Productivity growth in the grain industry delivers benefits well beyond the farm gate. As a major export earner and a cornerstone of regional economies, improvements in grain productivity flow through to stronger trade performance, more resilient regional communities, and improved national economic outcomes. Investments that lift productivity in agriculture therefore represent high-value, economy-wide reforms rather than sector-specific assistance.
GrainGrowers’ recommendations focus on the two most powerful and mutually reinforcing drivers of productivity in the grain sector:
- Strengthening innovation systems
- Efficient freight supply chains
GrainGrowers looks forward to working with the Select Committee on this critical issue. Together, these reforms would strengthen Australia’s export competitiveness, improve the return on public infrastructure investment, and deliver enduring productivity benefits across the broader economy. Should we be able to provide further assistance or if there are any enquiries relating to this submission, please contact Policy Manager, Trade and Supply Chains, Annabel Mactier at annnabel.mactier@graingrowers.com.au.
Read the full submission: