As Viterra approaches 6 million tonnes of exports for the 2023/24 season, food safety and quality management remain a focus for the agriculture network as it continues to meet the international demand for southern Australian grain.
Throughout the year, Viterra is busy exporting growers’ grain to international markets from its six port terminals, and outturning grain by road and rail. Through these tasks, Viterra plays an important role in upholding food and feed safety standards.
To ensure grain delivered to its customers meets varying requirements of importing and exporting authorities as well as end users’ individual requirements, food and feed safety and quality management is integrated into all of Viterra’s activities and operations.
Viterra holds a number of accreditations and certifications, and meets the highest international standards of food safety and quality management.
Prior to export, grain is tested for quality a minimum of four times at various points along the company’s supply chain.
Viterra’s state of the art laboratory supports its network of sites by conducting comprehensive grain classification, testing for end user quality specifications, DNA testing for genetically modified material and chemical residue testing.
Site employees also perform tasks such as regularly cleaning equipment and storage areas, particularly once they have been emptied of grain in preparation for the next harvest.
With these rigorous processes and testing in place, Viterra is able to meet end use customers’ quality specifications as well as importing countries’ food safety requirements, which helps ensure South Australian growers’ grain continues to be in demand and maintains access to multiple markets.
Growers also play a major role in upholding South Australia’s grain quality, protecting its reputation, and meeting market requirements.
During growing, harvesting, transporting and storing grain, growers are responsible for ensuring they manage chemical application line with regulations, as well as making sure all equipment used for holding, transferring and carrying grain is inspected and cleaned prior to use to prevent contamination.
For more information about the role Viterra and its grower customers play in quality management and food safety, visit viterra.com.au.