CBH backs changes to wheat marketing

The CBH Group has rejected calls from the Western Australian Government for a delay in the introduction of
the new accreditation system of export wheat marketing.

General manager strategy and business development, Dr Andrew Crane said any further delays would only
serve to create more uncertainty for growers.

"Growers are looking for a framework that provides them with the competition, transparency and direct market
access they need to maximise the value of their wheat.

"The CBH Group is ready now and well positioned to deliver this value to growers," he said.

"The CBH Group, as well as other current exporters of coarse grains, pulses and oilseeds, has customers who
want to buy wheat tomorrow, and we'll work with the Federal Government to establish the new system as soon
as possible.

"Grain Pool, the CBH Group's marketing arm, has some 80 years experience in marketing grain and is geared
up to take part in the process that will allow all bulk handlers to tender for the big contracts with buyers including
Pakistan, India, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq and Iran."

Dr Crane said it had also worked to secure demand for Western Australian wheat through its investment in flour mills throughout Asia, with an annual requirement of more than 3 million tonnes of wheat.

He said the CBH Group had received strong interest for some time from customers looking to source wheat directly from growers.

"At the same time, growers have also demonstrated that they want a system that provides them with available
alternatives and have expressed their interest in the CBH Group marketing their wheat.

"We are confident that a reformed wheat marketing system can be implemented by the Federal Government
and industry for the 2008-09 season, providing some much needed certainty for Australian grain growers."