Federal trade and tourism minister Dan Tehan met with a group of SA croppers last week, to discuss how good market access will help them to take advantage of positive seasons.
Hosted by GrainGrowers board director and industry stalwart Richard Konzag and his family, Mallala, a number of local farmers and reperesentatives from National Farmers' Federation and Grains Australia were also in attendance.
The meeting allowed Mr Tehan to gain an insight into on-farm activities, as he leads the nation's efforts to secure a number of new trade agreements.
GrainGrowers chief executive officer David McKeon said the meeting had been of high importance.
"This was a timely opportunity to talk through the need for ongoing effort and investment in opening new markets and accelerated market development particularly for the barley industry, but also across all grains," Mr McKeon said.
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"The strong partnership with industry and government to improve market access is more important now than ever, with the current case in front of the World Trade Organisation regarding Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and active negotiations underway on critical agreements such as the Australian-EU FTA.
"It was timely for the Minister to be able to discuss these issues directly with growers today as the ABARES Crop Report was also released that shows favourable seasonable conditions and high world prices are expected to drive winter crops nationally to a record high.
"A big crop means a big export task, making the ongoing efforts of government on improving market access even more important."
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