GrainGrowers continues to advocate on behalf of growers on fuel and fertiliser access and costs, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. At the same time, the organisation must continue to meet its responsibilities as a Representative Organisation (RO) in relation to the R&D levy review. Background information is available here.
What is the background?
Last year, a proposal to reduce the R&D levy was put to the Minister for Agriculture. The Minister did not accept this and requested that a future proposal take a more joined-up approach across the industry.
GrainGrowers does not take a position on whether levies should go up, down, or stay the same. GrainGrowers believes its role is to make sure there is a fair, transparent process in place so levy payers can decide.
Consultation last year showed growers hold diverse views across the country, so it’s important that any decision is made democratically. GrainGrowers believes the most robust option is a poll using the levy payer register, ensuring information and voting access go directly to those who pay the levy.
What is the current status?
- In December 2025, GrainGrowers wrote to Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and State Farming Organisations (SFOs) with proposed terms of reference for a levy review working group.
- This working group would be overseen by an independent chair, to ensure the process is credible and fair.
- Following advice from the Minister that Representative Organisations and SFOs should jointly agree on the process, GrainGrowers has been working with GPA to move this forward.
- GrainGrowers is currently waiting on GPA’s response to the proposed approach.
- In March 2026 GrainGrowers and GPA wrote to the Department of Agriculture regarding who funds an industry levy review.
- In April 2026 DAFF communicated that:
“Levy funds must be used in accordance with the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Disbursement Act 2024, GRDC’s Statutory Funding Agreement 2025-2034 and its annual operating plan. The department does not consider the use of levy funds for a levy review proposal would be consistent with these requirements, regardless of which organisation leads the review.”
What happens next?
With immediate focus on fuel and fertiliser challenges, GrainGrowers believes it’s important to keep progressing the levy review process.
GrainGrowers will continue working with GPA and SFOs to reach agreement on:
- how the levy review will be run, and
- how levy payers will have their say.
- Financial modelling required from the Grains Research and Development Corporation for grower information.
The Minister has clearly indicated that any further proposals must reflect the majority of grower views across the country.
Further information for growers
Growers can review the draft principles and key information proposed by GrainGrowers relating to the levy review process here.
If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact: ua.moc.sreworgniarg@yriuqne