AWB

[malleefarmer]

The Grains Council says it would not oppose any move by the Federal Government to remove AWB's veto on wheat export applications.

There is a push from within the Government to take away the veto to allow other grain companies to export wheat.

But chairman of the peak body, Murray Jones, says growers must be consulted before any major structural changes are made to the single desk.

"We don't know what the Government's reaction will be and I'm leaving it open to them to make their reaction," Mr Jones said.

"We've consulted regularly and continuously during the course of the last few months and we'll continue to do so, and continue to put forward the growers' position, which is they wish to retain a single desk and they want to be consulted if there are to be any changes."

The Grains Council says it wants growers to have control of the export system.

But the Australian Grain Exporters Association is pushing the Federal Government to remove the single desk.

The association of bulk grain handlers wants an interim licensing system put in place to smooth the way for deregulation.

Under the plan, AWB's veto would be removed and grain companies would have to apply for accreditation to export before applying for export licences.

[just_wondering]

Mallee
I came across this and was wondering about your thoughts on the simalarities with western Canada with most Farmers never having attended a rally but would vote with their wheat to the Corporation or board that offered the best Value for their grain, Value having many very different meanings

WA Liberal MP Wilson Tuckey is pushing a private member’s Bill which would end AWB’s monopoly.

“There are 6000 to 7000 registered wheat growers in WA, most of whom never attended a rally or voted for AWB Ltd Directors, however when put to the test by a better price offer they have voted with their grain production and they don’t want to gift it to AWB,” he said yesterday.