GPSA develops and implements policies that ensures a profitable and sustainable grain industry in South Australia through advancing the interests of grain producers.
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.