Outlook

Outlook

Grains

In 2007–2008, NRS continued to implement the recommendations of the 2003 Grains Review, including sampling new grains commodities and monitoring bagged and containerised grains for export in accordance with industry requirements. The 13 new grain commodities that are being sampled include coarse grains (maize and triticale), pulses (cow pea, faba bean, lentil, mung bean, navy bean, pigeon pea, and vetch) and oilseeds (linseed, safflower, soybean and sunflower). Due to the ongoing effect of the drought, very few or, in some cases, no samples were collected from some of these commodities. Residue sampling of these commodities is expected to continue in future years.

Increased sample numbers in the export container and bag sub-project are a reflection of increasing trade by containers and changing wheat export conditions. Several companies are now accredited by Wheat Exports Australia to export bulk wheat. Consequently, after NRS–industry consultation, a strategy was implemented under which many more samples would be collected from containerised grain and, in particular, containerised wheat.

NRS, the Grains Council of Australia (GCA) and grain industry stakeholders are working together to coordinate some of the ‘common good’ tasks that were formerly provided to industry by AWB Limited (for example, the outturn for key wheat markets). These coordinating measures will address some of the market concerns expressed by industry stakeholders.

The pilot targeted herbicide testing project implemented in 2007–2008 by NRS, GCA and grain industry stakeholders will be continued in 2008–2009.

Horticulture

It is anticipated that sampling and analysis of the current five commodities will continue in 2008–2009.

The macadamia industry has decided to take an additional 80 grower samples in addition to the aggregated samples scheduled to be collected from macadamia nut processors. Results from these additional samples will provide evidence of appropriate chemical use within the industry on individual-grower basis. The additional grower samples started late in the 2007–2008 financial year and will continue in 2008–2009.

Possible new projects for 2008–2009

The strawberry, almond and hay industries are each considering undertaking chemical residue testing projects with NRS in 2008–2009, but have yet to make final decisions about proceeding. Should the projects proceed, they will be funded by a direct payment arrangement with each industry.

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