Close to half of growers’ harvest deliveries into the Viterra system have been loaded onto vessels at Viterra’s port terminals since the start of the shipping season connecting growers with international markets.
Viterra Chief Operations Officer James Murray says with around 40 active buyers in the Viterra system, 13 of who are exporters, grain has already headed to 29 different destinations.
“We experienced a high level of demand early on with 4.5 million tonnes booked prior to harvest, of which we’ve executed more than half,” James says.
The total volume booked for export now sits at 5.4 million tonnes and across Viterra’s six terminals, wheat, barley, canola, faba beans and lentils have all headed offshore.
Viterra’s Inner Harbour and Outer Harbor ports combined have loaded more than one million tonnes since the start of November, including more than 200,000 tonnes last month across the two ports. Port Lincoln’s terminal has also been busy with more than 750,000 tonnes loaded for the season so far.
“Our teams are working hard to keep grain moving through our supply chain and meet our buyer customers’ needs,” James says.
“It’s hugely positive for growers who are able to access a number of buyers and markets through the Viterra network, and it demonstrates the consistently high standard of grain that they produce.”
Viterra’s port direct service is an added benefit that comes with the number of vessels booked for shipping from the network.
“Port direct enables buyers to purchase on farm grain directly from growers who can deliver it to port ahead of the buyer’s vessel loading,” James says.
“It’s a great option for growers who store their grain on farm, and gives buyers greater flexibility with an additional purchase option to choose from.”
Port direct was introduced prior to the 2021/22 harvest as part of a boosted service offering from Viterra. Growers are encouraged to contact their buyer directly for prices and delivery options.