Overview

Policy is decided by the Board, after considering input from a range of areas. From time to time, the Board establishes a specialised policy and issues-based taskforces to draw in expertise from various sectors of industry.

GPSA regularly consults through close involvement with grain producers, grain production groups, grain sector groups and the conduct of regular regional and state industry forums.

GPSA represents the interest of growers by making submissions on the issues that will affect the future of the grain industry to a range of government agencies, parliamentary inquiries and other consultative forums. Wherever possible, submissions are published on the GPSA website and made publicly available.

In 2019/20, GPSA provided a range of submissions responding to the following key policy areas:

• Consideration of various legislative options to remove the Moratorium on the Cultivation of Genetically Modified Crops in South Australia,
• Regulation at Viterra’s bulk grain facilities in response to Viterra's application for exemption from parts 3-6 of the Port Terminal Access (Bulk Wheat) Code of Conduct.
• Draft amendments to the Summary Offences Act 1953 to deal with farm trespass.
• Grain Harvest Management Schemes Review.
• Public Consultation on changes to the GM Crops Management Regulations.

GPSA also advances policy work through making representation to external parties, including other industry associations and affiliated bodies in agriculture. Staff regularly attend workshops, meetings and forums to advance policy positions and gather information to support evidence-based research. The outcome from these activities are reported to the GPSA Board and/or taskforces, as well as communicated to the broader grain industry. 

Advocacy 

In accordance with its constitution, GPSA remains strictly non-party political.  

GPSA engages with decision-makers of all tiers of government, and statutory bodies responsible for policy or programs relevant to grain production businesses in South Australia. 

GPSA represents the interests of grain producers to the South Australian Parliament, and where appropriate, on State issues relevant to the Federal Parliament. 

Prior to the 2018 State Election, GPSA promoted a policy agenda to all candidates and Parties, that outlined five key strategies to unlocking increased profitability in the grain industry for the benefit of all South Australians. A copy of GPSA’s report can be sourced via the GPSA website, including all responses received on behalf of political Parties.

Since the election, GPSA has been working with the South Australian Government and the broader Parliament, to progress legislation to support grain producers in line with this Election Statement, where GPSA sought a commitment to:

1. Create infrastructure efficiencies for lowest-cost delivery to markets.
2. Increase market access to boost returns to SA’s economy.
3. Invest in plant science research, technologies and biosecurity.
4. Build a stronger workforce with new entrants and skills development for current participants.
5. Balance agriculture with competing land uses.