GrainCorp is calling for bold action in a submission to the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable, to boost productivity and back the growth of the Australian agriculture industry.
In its submission, the ASX-listed agribusiness argues that the agriculture sector has consistently lifted productivity over decades through innovation, resilience and scale, and now stands ready to help lead the nation’s economic transformation.
“Agriculture has quietly been one of Australia’s most reliable productivity engines,” GrainCorp Managing Director and CEO Robert Spurway said.
“In the grains industry, growers have embraced innovation and continuously adapt to volatility in weather, markets and politics – all while driving more value from every hectare, every tonne, every season.
“Our message to the Government is to let agriculture be an example for other sectors, and to build on that success.”
The numbers tell the story: in 2023-24, agriculture accounted for 10.8 per cent of Australia’s exports and 2.4 per cent of national value[1] – underscoring the sector’s role as a proven performer and material economic contributor.
Coordinated reform across nationally significant areas
The company highlights the opportunity to establish a sovereign renewable fuels industry that leverages Australia’s agricultural strengths. In partnership with Ampol and IFM Investors, GrainCorp is exploring the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel using local feedstocks such as canola, tallow and used cooking oil.
Mr Spurway said with the right policy settings, such as targeted production incentives and a robust certification framework, this industry could contribute up to $36 billion in market value by 2050 and abate 230 million tonnes of CO₂-e emissions.[2]
“Australia exports billions in feedstocks each year, but we’re missing the opportunity to value-add through local refining and production,” he said.
“A renewable fuels sector doesn’t just support our net zero ambitions – it’s a nation-building investment in energy security, regional jobs and industrial capability.”
The second reform priority outlined in the submission is the urgent need to modernise Australia’s regional freight infrastructure.
Inefficiencies in freight and logistics infrastructure, particularly underinvestment in rural roads, short rail sidings and port congestion, result in significant avoidable costs for growers and exporters each year.
Mr Spurway said smarter investment in freight and digital infrastructure will cut emissions and improve export flow.
“Our supply chain moves more than 60 million tonnes of grain annually, yet it’s being constrained by outdated infrastructure and fragmented planning.
“Improving first- and last-mile freight and unlocking modal shift from road to rail isn’t just an agricultural issue, it’s an economic one.”
GrainCorp’s third area of focus is on regulatory streamlining, pointing to inconsistent and outdated compliance requirements across jurisdictions.
The submission calls for a nationally harmonised freight access scheme for harvest, standardised rail and road protocols, and a single-window digital approvals platform to consolidate infrastructure and environmental applications.
“We’re not asking for weaker regulation, we’re asking for smarter, faster, more consistent regulation,” Mr Spurway said.
“If we want to encourage investment and unlock supply chain performance, we need to match the ambition of our industries with equally modern policy settings.”
Reform that delivers long-term value
GrainCorp’s proposals align closely with the Government’s Five-Pillar Productivity Agenda, particularly in supporting the net zero transition, improving regional infrastructure, and using data to drive smarter decision-making.
“These are not sectoral wish-lists,” Mr Spurway added. “They are nation-building ideas with relevance across multiple industries, and with the potential to create long term economic value.”
The company says it will continue to work closely with Government, industry groups and supply chain partners to ensure reforms deliver meaningful outcomes across the broader economy.
ENDS
About GrainCorp
GrainCorp is an integrated grain and edible oils business with a market leading presence as the largest grain storage and handling business in ECA and the number one edible oil processor and oilseed crusher in Australia and New Zealand. Over its 100+ year history, GrainCorp has created a global supply chain with high quality infrastructure assets that store, process and facilitate the transportation of grains and edible oils. For future details, please visit the Investors & Media section of our website at www.graincorp.com.au
[1] “Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2025”: ABARES
[2] “Refined Ambitions: Exploring Australia’s Low Carbon Liquid Fuel Potential”: Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Deloitte, 2025
