SCEPTICISM was rife, tempers flared and questions about integrity and independence flowed thick, as Eyre Peninsula graingrowers sought answers during a meeting hosted by Free Eyre in Cummins.
The open forum to discuss the proposed EP Grain Growers Infrastructure Development Fund attracted a small but animated crowd of 17 local growers, grower brokers and interested parties, with the results and recommendations of the highly-contentious graingrower survey put under the spotlight.
Free Eyre chief executive officer Mark Rodda led the meeting, supported by board members Trevor Gilmore and David Giddings.
One in a series of meetings designed to engage growers, alleviate concerns and clear-up any confusion, Mr Rodda discussed the survey report that was prepared and presented to Agriculture Minister Leon Bignell and PIRSA.
The main area of contention surrounding the survey was the 92 per cent of respondents supporting the establishment of a cooperative, with several growers in the room arguing they "hadn't spoken to anyone who supported the idea".
This led to questions about the independence of the survey and what Free Eyre had to gain from the formation of a co-op.
There was also panic about a levy possibly being imposed as early as this year.
"We have absolutely nothing to gain from the establishment of a co-op," Mr Rodda said.
"We don't know how more transparent we can be."
Mr Rodda went on to explain that Free Eyre was mandated by EP shareholders to investigate opportunities for growth and improvement, and the survey was a mechanism to gather information for that purpose.
In response to concerns about the survey's lack of detail, Mr Rodda said the concept of an infrastructure fund was still in the very early stages.
"In the first instance, growers need to decide whether they believe in the concept, then work out what the levy should be," he said.
"Depending on what the minister decides, it could all finish here."
Prominent farmer Max Wilksch led the chorus of opposition.
He said the scheme would likely "self-destruct", comparing the project to the "fiasco" that was the EP Rail Fund.
"We no longer live in an era where people are social creatures in terms of 'I want to do something for you'," he said.
"We are now a generation of farmers that would specifically do what matters to them and don't really care too much about anyone else."
Speaking as an independent grower, the Yeelanna farmer and Grain Producers SA board member called for an investigation by the Essential Services Commission into Viterra and upgrading Thevenard port facilities as alternative means to increase competitiveness in the region.
If the proposed co-op eventuated and was pitted against the state's sole grain handler and exporter, Mr Wilksch believed a David and Goliath-like battle would occur.
"Do you believe in the tooth fairy?" he said "(There is) no hope in hell we will be able to compete with Viterra."
Mr Wilksch also expressed concerns about cost subsidisation, "egos" on the co-op board, and the potential to undermine the integrity of the existing entities under the Primary Industry Funding scheme.
