SA’s reputation for high quality, consistent grain received a boost this week with the opening of a new purpose built, state of the art Viterra laboratory.
Local and export customers, including Coopers and Ingham’s, were on site to mark the new $3 million facility.
Viterra general manager Tim Krause said the facility would be a major drawcard for international and domestic end-users who valued the highest food safety and quality standards.
“We’ve made this investment as part of our ongoing support for the state’s $2 billion grain industry,” Mr Krause said.
“We want to ensure that growers can achieve full value for their crops by encouraging buyers to source grain from SA ahead of other origins in Australia and globally.
“More than 30 grain buyers operate within our supply chain, supplying grain to consumers around the world, and they value our commitment to quality management and food safety.”
The state government was represented by Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis, who performed the honours of cutting the ribbon.
“It is great to see investment in SA that enhances our competitive advantage and promotes our high-quality products to the world,” Mr Ellis said.
“I look forward to seeing this laboratory contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of grain classifying and congratulate Viterra on their investment in SA and in our primary producers.”
Mr Krause said the new laboratory included leading grain analysis equipment and was managed by a highly skilled and experienced team.
“We have a team of highly trained specialists in the laboratory overseeing all quality testing and training of staff within the Viterra network to ensure the consistency and reliability of grain supplied to customers,” he said.
“We’ve already had several international customers tour the facility and discuss quality needs with staff and the feedback has been extremely positive.
“The laboratory is also fitted out with the latest grain analysis equipment which is tested in adherence to the Australian Government National Measurement Institute’s standards.”
The laboratory is accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities and follows the principles of Viterra’s ISO 22000:2005 food safety accreditation.