Grain growers are being encouraged to grow durum wheat this year as Glencore Agriculture builds export markets for the variety.
As one of Australia’s top-2 exporters of durum, Glencore Agriculture is keen to see hectares increase this planting season to meet its customer demands.
“We have close relationships with a number of end users who are looking to source more durum from Australia,” Tom Smibert, Wheat & Durum Trader said.
“As sowing season approaches, we’re encouraging South Australian and western Victorian growers to plant durum and we’ve worked closely with Viterra to ensure segregations are available for the 2018/19 season.
“We are committed to durum for the long term and expect it to continue to maintain a premium over bread wheat due to good inelastic demand.”
Tom said Glencore Agriculture loaded a durum vessel at Viterra’s Outer Harbor port last week, headed for Italy.
“Australian durum is known for its quality characteristics and Italy is our largest export market.
“We’d like to thank South Australian and Victorian durum growers for their support in 2017/18 and hope they can consider planting more this year.”
Michael Hill, Viterra Group Operations Manager, said Viterra will open durum segregations at Ardrossan, Owen, Gulnare and Bordertown in 2018/19.
“We may also make additional segs available based on demand. We encourage growers to give us a call if they intend on increasing their durum hectares this year so we can consider it in our planning,” Michael said.