Graingrowers are encouraged to grow durum wheat this year as Glencore Agriculture builds export markets for the variety.
As one of Australia’s top two exporters of durum, Glencore Agriculture are hoping hectares of the wheat variety increase this planting season to meet its customer demands.
Wheat and durum trader Tom Smibert said Glencore have close relationships with a number of end users who are looking to source more durum from Australia.
“As sowing season approaches we are encouraging SA and western Victorian growers to plant durum and we have worked closely with Viterra to ensure segregations are available for the 2018/19 season,” he said.
“We are committed to durum for the long term and expect it to continue to maintain a premium over bread wheat due to good inelastic demand.”
Glencore Agriculture loaded a durum vessel at Viterra’s Outer Harbor port last week, headed for Italy.
“Australian durum is known for its quality characteristics and Italy is our largest export market.
Viterra group operations manager Michael Hill said Viterra would open durum segregations at Ardrossan, Owen, Gulnare and Bordertown in 2018/19.
“We may also make additional segs available based on demand. We encourage growers to give us a call if they intend on increasing their durum hectares this year so we can consider it in our planning,” Mr Hill said.
