Exporting Barley

Changes to Barley Export Market Arrangements

The Barley export marketing arrangements in South Australia has changed following several years of debate and reviews. The Barley Exporting Bill 2007 (external site) was passed on 27 March 2007. These new arrangements mean that the bulk export barley trade will now be operating in a more contestable market in South Australia, rather than under the former Single Desk arrangement.

The Barley Exporting Act 2007 became operational on 1 July 2007. This new Act removes the restrictions on bulk export barley shipments from South Australia. A contestable market will be introduced via a three-year transition period whereby the Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA) (external site) will operate an accreditation program for traders.

What does this mean for SA's barley growers?
For many, it will simply mean business as usual. South Australian growers are assured that the former single desk holder, ABB Grain Limited, will continue to operate and offer a range of pool and cash based options just as it has done for many years both as a publicly listed company and as the Australian Barley Board.

What changes is growers will now have greater choice of grain marketers able to access the barley export market once accredited by ESCOSA, allowing a greater range of prices, pool and cash options and service options.

Workshops

The series of workshops that were being arranged jointly by PIRSA and the South Australian Farmers Federation (SAFF) in regional centers have, regrettably, been cancelled. If you have any queries please contact John Cornish, PIRSA Grains.

Barley Exporting Advisory Committee

The Barley Exporting Advisory Committee will provide advice to the Minister and act as a referral mechanism for industry issues.

Barley market news articles: SA Barley Bulletin

Regular articles in the form of the SA Barley Bulletin will be posted here providing you with news updates on the changed arrangements for barley marketing, the workshops, and other information in the lead up to the first harvest under the new barley marketing arrangements. Bookmark this page and return regularly to download and read these articles.