GRAIN handler Viterra has outturned five million tonnes of grain onto bulk vessels for the export market since the start of the season, close to double the volume shipped at the same time last year.
The 5mt is part of the 6mt that SA growers delivered to the handler during the 2020/21 harvest.
Growers delivered about 7500t into the Viterra network last month, with loads comprising of mainly lentils and barley into the Eastern region.
Viterra chief operations officer James Murray said outturning 5mt of grain in a nine month period was a very positive sign for the SA grain industry and demonstrated the continued global demand for SA grain.
"It's very pleasing to achieve such a milestone," he said.
"It highlights the quality of the grain that growers delivered into our system, which is greatly sought after by buyers and end use customers around the world.
"It also demonstrates the efficiency of our supply chain and that we can move large amounts of grain through our network quickly to provide value to our customers.
"Growers benefit from wide market access and have a number of buyers to choose from in the Viterra system - and we are focused on outturning grain safely and efficiently so this continues.
"The 5mt figure is close to double the volume that had been shipped in the same time last year.
Ten exporters in the Viterra system have shipped to 28 destinations globally with vessels of wheat, barley, canola and pulses.
As part of its preparations for the 2020/21 harvest, Viterra is seeking expressions of interest for 1500 seasonal workers to help bring in this year's new season grain.
Viterra operations manager Michael Hill said harvest employees played an important part in providing growers with a high level of service during the busy time of harvest.
"A range of roles are available to work at our 55 sites across the network and anyone can apply," he said.
"We provide all training in a supportive team environment, so no experience is necessary."
Expressions of interest are open on the Viterra website.
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