Australian Oilseeds Federation, Grains Australia sign MOU

The Australian Oilseeds Federation and Grains Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will enable AOF to be the last commodity-based representative body to roll into the cross-industry organisation established in 2020.

The MOU is expected to deliver outcomes to benefit the Australian oilseeds industry and the broader grains industry by ensuring a high level of collaboration, service and support between AOF and Grains Australia.

AOF president Rosemary Richards said the AOF Board will act as a reference group for Grains Australia on matters related to the Australian oilseeds industry and will provide advice and insights.“Our focus is on generating value for the industry, and effective collaboration between AOF and Grains Australia is essential to deliver what our growers, traders, processors, researchers and consumers need.”

“Under the MOU, the AOF will also provide expertise, information and insights to support Grains Australia’s delivery of trade and market access and classification projects and other priorities related to oilseeds, oil and meal,” Ms Richards said.

Grains Australia chair Terry Enright said AOF has a well-established, evidence-based platform for oilseeds research and development priorities which Grains Australia will benefit from in delivering trade and market access- and classification-related activities.

“We are committed to working effectively with AOF for the benefit of the oilseeds industry and welcome this MOU as a formal starting point for a new valuable working relationship.”

Through commodity-based councils, Grains Australia has assumed functions including classification, and market access, development, and support.

Wheat Quality Australia, Barley Australia and the Grains Industry Market Access Forum have already folded into Grains Australia, and further commodity councils have been established to assume industry-good roles for pulses and oats.