The VFF Grains Policy Council caught up recently in Melbourne to discuss the big issues facing growers throughout Victoria.
- Current seasonal conditions: Positive Start to the Season
Around the table, Councillors reported a positive start to the season, with steady and very welcome rainfall across many parts of the state. Several remarked that these are some of the best growing conditions they have seen in recent times. Access to paddocks during key spraying and spreading windows has been critical to keeping operations on track.
Councillors also noted that, in response to market instability and seasonal uncertainty, farmers are becoming increasingly self-sufficient to build resilience for future seasons.
- Outreach and Engagement: More Grains on the Grid
The Council recognised the importance of engaging with all Victorian farmers, and met with the VFF Media team to plan how its work will be shared with the public and, in more detail, with members. If you’re not already following, follow the VFF on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.
- Grow and Impact the Grain Sector – Commit a Levy to VFF Grains Advocacy This Harvest
As harvest approaches, the Council encourages grain growers to consider committing a voluntary levy to VFF Grains.
Under a new organisational policy, the Council is receiving updates on levy income and expenditure, is involved in the budgeting process for the use of those funds and has allocated resourcing to a policy role to once again support the Council. The Grains Group has a dedicated account in the VFF’s chart of accounts.
The levy funds enable the council to advocate on behalf of VFF Grains members and the broader Australian grains industry. Under the guidance of the VFF the Grains Council works closely with the Victorian Government, industry and peak bodies. The Grains council is committed to maintaining strong representation, growing our networks and ensuring grain growers continue to have a seat at the decision-making table. Your levy helps make that possible.
To set your contribution, log into the NGR website and enable the voluntary levy for the Victorian Farmers Federation: National Grower Register | For Growers
- Planning for the Future: Become a Councillor
Planning for the future of the VFF Grains Council and are seeking Expressions of Interest from growers to fill one current vacancy, along with several upcoming vacancies in 2027.
Being a Grains Councillor provides the opportunity to represent your industry, influence decisions affecting grain growers and build valuable professional and industry networks. If you’re passionate about agriculture and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact the VFF if you’d like to learn more.
VFF Grains Council: grains@vff.org.au
- Too Many Eggs in One Basket for Australia’s Chemical Needs
One of the biggest discussion points was Australia’s reliance on imported agricultural inputs. We recently learnt that around 80% of the active ingredients used in Australia’s crop protection products come from abroad.
Supply chain disruptions quickly flow through all the way from port to farm and right back to fork – increasing input costs and creating uncertainty across the entire food production system.
CropLife Australia CEO Justin Crosby, spoke to the VFF Grains Council about the role of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and the approval process for new chemistry in Australia. The APVMA’s role is to assess agricultural chemicals to ensure they are safe to use while delivering economic benefit to Australian agriculture and regional communities.
Without timely and adequate access to new chemistry, growers cannot achieve the yields needed to remain productive and competitive. It is imperative that Australia maintains a competitive, timely and affordable pathway for new chemistry to enter the market. The more difficult and expensive access becomes, the more those costs are ultimately passed on to farmers and, eventually, consumers.
CropLife Australia | APVMA delays hurting farmers when they can least afford it
- Clear communication with Agriculture Victoria: Supply Chain and Seasonal Update
The Council met with Agriculture Victoria to discuss current issues affecting Victorian farmers. Priority again was given to access to fuel, fertiliser and crop protection products. Maintaining regular and open conversations with government ensures growers are part of the discussion and helps shape practical solutions that support farming businesses now and into the future.
Discussing the risk that Bird Flu poses, Locusts are also on the radar with forecasts indicating increased activity during September. Growers are encouraged to monitor conditions and report any outbreaks.
- Fertiliser Competition
The Council also discussed the government’s fertiliser subsidy program, where only three fertiliser providers nationally have been able to access subsidies in recent months, leaving smaller suppliers at a significant disadvantage.
VFF Grains council discussed and recognised the importance of strong and competitive fertiliser market. Maintaining competition and choice for growers remains a priority, and we’ll continue working with the National Farmers’ Federation on this issue.
Read more: Strategic Reserve
- Workplace chemical exposure limits: Phosphine Regulations
Finally, we discussed new regulations proposed by Safe Work Australia, due to commence in December 2026, that would reduce the allowable phosphine exposure level in grain storage from 0.3 ppm to 0.05 ppm.
VFF Grains supports safer environments for our workers; however, the new regulations are not practical to implement and enforce while also posing a risk to Australia’s biosecurity and trade.
Following our meeting, WorkSafe Victoria announced on 11 August 2026 a proposal to delay the commencement of new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 15 airborne contaminants, including phosphine, until 1 December 2029.
- Renewable resources opportunities: Sustainable Jet Fuel production in Victoria
The Council heard a presentation from Grainstone on the potential benefits a Victorian biorefinery could offer grain growers and provided feedback on the project.
- Bumper Spring outlook to trump Goliath Elnino forecast.
As we watch the weather and head into spring, the VFF Grains Council wishes everyone a safe and prosperous season ahead.
If there’s an issue affecting your farming business, we encourage you to get in touch with the VFF to connect you with the Grains Councillor representing your region. Your voice matters. The issues you raise help shape our priorities and strengthen our advocacy on behalf of grain growers across Victoria.