| Article Index |
|---|
| Organic Grain in the current market |
| Seed supply |
| Soil fertility |
| Weed and disease management |
| Tillage |
| All Pages |
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Organic grain was the largest organic export from Australia until the recent drought conditions established across south Australia. Since that time export markets have continued to express interest, but supply has severely reduced.In the current circumstances most organic grain sales are to domestic processors, principally millers and breakfast cereal manufacturers.
As the organic dairy and livestock sector continues to grow, there are also substantial markets for feed grains.
In the current market climate organic growers are generally able to obtain contracts to purchase grain at the time of harvest. Grain not sold immediately must be kept in certified storage. Most growers have significant storage on farm, generally with forced air or inert gas treatments for pest control.
Generally speaking Conversion produce sells less readily than Organic, although the consumer decision to purchase is also affected by other factors including sensual and processing quality of the produce.
Some growers are able to find premium markets for conversion grain, including the following:
- Conversion grain may sell when organic grain is in short supply
- An organic buyer may offer a lesser premium in order to ensure access to future certified organic product
- During the recent drought some organic livestock operators received special dispensation to use a percentage of conversion feed
- The domestic chicken feed market
- Quality grain, especially sought-after varieties, may sell for a good price on conventional markets
