The National Policy Group (NPG) convened in Sydney this week for the first meeting of 2026. The group welcomed three new Southern Region members - Emelia Sudholz, Bruce Watson and Jack Langley, alongside twelve returning growers.
Looking ahead to the year, the NPG discussed several key topics, including a new innovation and research policy, the outcomes of GrainGrowers' 2025 consultation on grains R&D, and sustainability certification principles to ensure value for growers. The group also received an update on the National Food Security Strategy from Andrew Henderson, a member of the National Food Council who led the development of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper, which was jointly funded by GrainGrowers. Further consultation is underway, with the final strategy expected to be released in 2026-27.
The group also visited Port Botany, where NSW Ports outlined the importance of freight network performance, connectivity and resilience for efficient port operations. This prompted discussion around constraints facing the broader agricultural export sector, a topic directly addressed by GrainGrowers' recent report on Australia's Priority Grain Freight Routes. This report pulls together complex grain freight movement data into a single place, offering new insights into where investment will deliver the greatest benefits.
The NPG, a group of 15 member-elected growers, continues to play a vital role within GrainGrowers’ Policy Development Framework by ensuring grower voices can directly shape national policy. The group's discussions and activities at this meeting will help inform GrainGrowers' advocacy and policy work in the year ahead.
Interested in joining the NPG?
You can express your interest in joining the NPG at any moment via GrainGrowers’ website.