As the 2022/23 harvest approaches, Viterra is reminding growers of the critical role they play in maintaining the reputation of South Australian grain, maintaining market access in multiple domestic and international markets and meeting end use customer requirements.
Maintaining vehicle hygiene and cleaning grain handling equipment is an essential component of this as Viterra sites can only receive grain free of contaminants based on industry standards.
On farm equipment such as augers, bins and headers could contain traces of old or pickled grain, fertiliser or bait for pests, particularly if they haven’t been used in a while.
Growers are required to check all vehicles that cart grain and prior loads to ensure vehicles meet the required standards for food safety and vehicle cleanliness, and correct procedures are followed as growers are responsible for deliveries made on their behalf. Growers are also required to declare the last load when making a delivery. The prior load matrix available on the Viterra website outlines correct procedures to follow.
Viterra also plays a key role in maintaining market access for South Australian grain and takes its responsibility of managing food safety and quality management very seriously.
Food and feed safety and quality management is integrated into all of the company’s activities and operations to ensure the grain delivered to our end use customers meets the highest standards.
Viterra’s focus on traceability, high quality, and food safety ensures the grain meets customers’ needs, as well as the varying requirements of importing and exporting authorities to maintain market access for South Australian growers in a number of international and local destinations.
Viterra tests samples of grain at multiple points along the supply chain to ensure it meets end use market and customer requirements at the point of outturn.
Viterra holds ISO 22000 certification which meets the highest international standards in food safety and quality management. Viterra has maintained the certification, which is the highest of any grain supply chain in Australia, for more than 20 years demonstrating the business’ continued focus in this area.
For more information, visit the food safety and hygiene section on the Viterra website.