No end to Pulse Tariff - Growers urged to look for alternative crops
- By: "Farm Tender" News
- Cattle News
- Mar 15, 2018
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Australian pulse growers are encouraged to take into account global market changes when considering their 2018 pulse planting program.
Grain Producers Australia Director, Andrew Earle, has just returned from a visit to India, Australia’s major chickpea market.
“Our visit to India was extremely productive and allowed us to get a much better understanding of the Indian market situation and meet with researchers, industry and government representatives to explore greater opportunities for Australian growers,” said Andrew Earle, Director, Grain Producers Australia.
“Australia was shocked earlier in the year when the Indian government announced changes to tariffs on pulses, with chickpea tariffs rising to a huge 44 per cent,” he said.
“As a result of the current tariff changes, and India’s pulse surplus and stocks, the market opportunity for Australia will be smaller this year,” he said. “Australian growers need to be aware of this when making planting decisions as we do not want to end up in a situation where we have more pulses than the market can absorb,” he said.
“This year will be an opportunity for growers to look at alternative rotational crops to support good practice and reduce disease pressures, in preparation for the 2019 sea
son,” he said.
“We recognise the desire of the Indian Government to increase local pulse production in India,” he said. “However, we believe there is a great opportunity for the two countries to work together and develop a long-term partnership which will be a ‘win-win’ for both countries,” he said.
“A long-term relationship will provide India with a reliable supply of Australia’s high quality, safe pulses when the market requires them,” he said. “It will also allow us to continue to invest in research and development to ensure ongoing product improvement and innovation for our Indian customers,” he said.
“Grain Producers Australia, along with the Grains Industry Market Access Forum (GIMAF), will continue to engage with government officials and industry representatives to encourage a strong trading partnership with India,” he said.
“We acknowledge the ongoing support of Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Austrade and the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and Departmental staff,” Mr Earle said.
Note: Andrew Earle (GPA) and Tony Russell (GIMAF) travelled to India from 8-17 February to meet with researchers, government and industry representatives including Australia’s High Commissioner to India, attend the 2018 Pulses Conclave in New Delhi and participate in a multilateral discussion chaired by the CEO of the Global Pulse Confederation.
Further information:
Andrew Earle, Director, Grain Producers Australia, Tel: 0427 565 193
Tony Russell, Executive Manager, GIMAF, Tel: 0419 890 699
Andrew Weidemann, Chairman, Grain Producers Australia, Tel: 0428 504 544
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