AUSTRALIA — The Boards of Barley Australia and Grains Australia announced the merger of Barley Australia into Grains Australia, as part of Grains Australia’s initiative to consolidate a multitude of industry-good functions into one organization.

Grains Australia Limited is an industry initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Grain Growers Ltd, Grain Producers Australia and Grain Trade Australia.

Grains Australia chair Terry Enright said the merger was a significant step for the newly established organization.

“The merger of Barley Australia follows the integration of Wheat Quality Australia into Grains Australia and brings together the combined classification processes and resources for wheat and barley in Australia under the one organization,” Enright said.

“Driven by the support of the Grains Research and Development Corp. (GRDC), Australia’s grain industry now has one organization that is responsible for delivering classification, market access and key education functions and priorities.”

Barley Australia director, Trevor Perryman, said the organization has played a critical role in establishing and overseeing Australia’s barley variety classification and accreditation system, identifying key priorities for industry, and serving as a key contact point for domestic and international customers.

“Since 2005, Barley Australia has served as the peak body for the Australian barley and malting industry,” Perryman said.

“Under the merger with Grains Australia, we look forward to not only continuing to deliver this important stewardship but delivering a more effective and expanded role in classification and trade and market access priorities through Grains Australia,” Perryman added.

Grains Australia Limited will now take responsibility for all technical functions associated with barley varietal classification, trade and market access and information and education on behalf of the Australian barley industry.

Barley Australia’s current board of directors will form a new barley industry council within Grains Australia to ensure continued oversight and delivery of vital industry services.

All existing technical functions performed by Barley Australia through the Malting and Brewing Industry Barley Technical Committee will continue and existing staff are joining Grains Australia.

In addition, all residual funds in Barley Australia will be designated for barley classification and promotion of key barley issues.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE.