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Posted by David Sexton
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22 June, 2026
PRE-SHIPMENT quarantine treatments and broader supply chain themes were among the topics at the recent 53rd Australian Grain Storage & Protection Conference held in Melbourne.
Hosted by Grain Trade Australia (GTA), the conference brought together industry leaders, researchers, regulators and supply chain participants.
The conference marked the final session chaired by National Working Party on Grain Protection (NWPGP) chair Gerard McMullen who is stepping down after 10 years in the role.
Themes included the current and many emerging challenges in markets and the importance of grain protection, storage management and chemical regulation and use in maintaining domestic and international access.
Opening the conference, GTA chair Ole Houe spoke of the importance of maintaining the reputation of Australian grain via the continued strong quality assurance systems and industry collaboration.
“Product integrity, confidence and reputation remain central to the value of Australian grain,” Ole Houe said.
“The NWPGP Conference supports these outcomes through industry collaboration and shared knowledge.”
NWPGP chair Gerard McMullen said the conference remained an important industry forum.
"The NWPGP Conference supports the vital role of science and stewardship across the supply chain. This helps enhance the global reputation of Australian grain as a high-quality, safe product," Mr McMullen said.
More than 35 speakers delivered presentations across the two-day program.
Key topics included an update on Australia’s chemical review, industry management of revised Workplace Exposure Limits for grain fumigants, export-market pre-shipment quarantine treatments, and the ongoing challenges and need for compliance with the insect resistance management strategy.
Delegates discussed ongoing research and extension activities, covering grain protectant usages, fumigation requirements and the use of technology and digital transformation.
Live polling during the conference revealed that, during the past year, delegates saw an increase in insect pressure.
Some 60% of organisations represented at the conference identified reliance on protectants as a critical part of pest prevention and management.
The poll results also showed strong industry support for the use of alternative fumigants.
The conference reinforced the importance of integrated pest management, including hygiene, in maintaining grain quality.
The conference concluded with recognition of Gerard McMullen’s “outstanding contribution” to the Australian grain industry as he stepped down as chair of the National Working Party on Grain Protection after 10 years.
Gerard McMullen was presented with a commemorative trophy in recognition of his leadership of the NWPGP and his longstanding commitment to grain quality assurance.
The presentation also acknowledged Gerard's imminent retirement from the grain industry, ending “a long and respected career” focused on improving industry efficiency, supporting market access and boosting the integrity of Australia's grain supply chain.
Mr McMullen thanked industry participants for their ongoing support of the NWPGP.
The chair of NWPGP is supported by Grain Trade Australia and funded by Grains Australia.
