<Wheat Exports Australia now open for business>

A new wheat industry regulator, Wheat Exports Australia (WEA), has officially commenced operations from today, 1 July 2008, replacing the former Export Wheat Commission.

“The Wheat Export Marketing Act 2008 has established a new era for Australia’s export wheat marketing arrangements and a new body, Wheat Exports Australia, to administer a wheat export accreditation scheme (Bulk Scheme)”, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Peter Woods, said today.

“Exporters wanting to ship wheat in bulk from Australia will need to apply for accreditation from WEA, which has the power to grant, vary, suspend or cancel that accreditation.”

Membership of WEA was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke, on Monday 23 June 2008.

Mr Woods thanked industry groups and individuals who contributed to the consultation process in developing the Bulk Scheme.

“The former Export Wheat Commission consulted widely with industry and grower groups in developing the Bulk Scheme, helping to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements,” he said.

Mr Woods confirmed the removal of the Non-bulk Wheat Quality Assurance Scheme and related notification requirements from 1 July 2008 for all non-bulk wheat exports from Australia.

Exporters wanting to ship wheat in bulk must be accredited by the new body, Wheat Exports Australia, by completing and lodging the exporter accreditation application form available on WEA’s website www.wea.gov.au.

Funding of WEA will be provided through application fees under the Bulk Scheme, as well as the Wheat Export Charge applied to all wheat exports from Australia.

For further information contact Wheat Exports Australia on (02) 6202 3400 or visit www.wea.gov.au.

Further media enquiries contact:

David Jones
Communications
Ph 02 6202 3400