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Grain market to stay partly open
19 Nov 2003
The Western Australian Government will not review its partial deregulation of the grain market this season despite the high volume of grain approved for export outside the traditional single desk system. WA's new Grain Licensing Authority has issued permits for the export of 373,000 tonnes of feed barley outside the single desk for barley, lupin and canola exports operated by farmer-owned Grain Pool. Recipients include AusBulk, Elders and the Glencore International-Brooks Grain joint venture.
The GLA can issue bulk permits if it deems they won't significantly affect premiums attained by the Grain Pool or WA's reputation as a grain exporter.
The permit issuing has concerned the WA Farmers' Federation, the Grain Pool and its SA export partner ABB Grain. They claim it is undermining the premiums the single-seller arrangements have won for WA and SA barley on export markets.
Supporters of deregulation are cheered, however, including other farmer groups, who cite the $10-a-tonne price rises offered to feed barley growers since the permits were issued.
Australian Financial Review, 19/11/03.
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