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Grains Australia has praised the Australian Government’s recent announcement of a formal wheat protocol agreement with Indonesia, marking a significant milestone for the grain trade between the two nations. The new protocol is expected to deliver major benefits for both countries, particularly in strengthening trade and reinforcing biosecurity measures.
The announcement was made by Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, following her visit to Jakarta last week. During the visit, Minister Collins met with her Indonesian counterparts to finalise several key bilateral outcomes, including the wheat trade protocol.
Grains Australia Chief Executive Officer, Richard Simonaitis, described the agreement as "a fantastic example of the type of positive outcomes that can be achieved when two countries work together collaboratively, in tandem with industry and government.”
Grains Australia played a central role in the development of the protocol, working closely with the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Their involvement included supporting the visit of an Indonesian Quarantine Authority (IQA) delegation to Australia in November 2024, where they assisted with logistics and coordination alongside CBH Group, DAFF, and the Indonesian Consulate General.
During their stay, the IQA delegation gained first-hand insights into Australia’s quarantine procedures and the grain industry’s commitment to biosecurity. The delegation observed how risks are effectively managed at various stages throughout the supply chain, offering greater assurance to Indonesian authorities.
Simonaitis emphasized that Australia’s wheat trade to Indonesia is valued at approximately $1.5 billion annually, highlighting the economic significance of the agreement. “This agreement helps to protect significant value for Australian grain growers while assuring Indonesia of Australia’s commitment to high biosecurity standards,” he said.
In addition to organizing the IQA visit, Grains Australia also collaborated with DAFF and industry stakeholders, including Grain Trade Australia, to contribute technical input to the protocol, drawing upon years of engagement and expertise in international trade.
The agreement underscores the important role of Grains Australia, an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), in advancing trade and market access. Through its national, coordinated efforts, the organization aims to proactively address both challenges and opportunities in global markets.
“The ultimate objective is to maintain and improve access to global markets for Australian grains,” Simonaitis concluded.
With the wheat protocol now in place, both Australia and Indonesia stand to benefit from strengthened trade relations and enhanced mutual trust in quarantine and biosecurity standards — paving the way for continued growth and collaboration in the agricultural sector.
