WEA begins accredited exporter renewal process

Wheat Exports Australia (WEA) has started its process of renewing exporters’ accreditation under the Wheat Export Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme), allowing a number of accredited companies to continue exporting Australia’s wheat in bulk.

Four renewal applications were considered at a recent WEA Board Meeting held in Canberra. These applications were completed to the satisfaction of the Board and have been granted accreditation for three years.

The following companies have now been granted accreditation until 30 September 2012:

Cargill Australia Limited
Elders Toepfer Grain Pty Ltd
Emerald Group Australia Pty Ltd
Noble Resources Australia Pty Ltd

CEO of WEA, Peter Woods said the Scheme allows for an exporter’s accreditation to continue, uninterrupted, if a renewal application is submitted to WEA between three and six months before the expiry of the exporter’s current accreditation.

“Exporters must fulfil a number of criteria for WEA to consider it a ‘fit and proper’ company to continue exporting Australia’s bulk wheat,” Mr Woods said.

“The criteria include the exporter’s financial resources, business records, risk management arrangements and the exporter’s trust and candour.

“WEA has received 22 renewal applications and will apply the same criteria to these, as it would with any application for accreditation,” he concluded.

WEA will continue to process the remaining 18 renewal applications and will make further announcements in September. Accredited exporters, providing a grain port terminal service in Australia, cannot be renewed until an access undertaking is accepted by the ACCC.

Between 1 October 2008 and 31 July 2009 Australia has exported almost 10 million tonnes of bulk wheat to 41 countries, by 17 accredited exporters.

Details of exporters Conditions of Accreditation Renewal can be viewed at WEA’s online Register of Accredited Exporters – www.wea.gov.au

For further information contact Wheat Exports Australia on (02) 6202 3400 or visit www.wea.gov.au.

Further media enquiries contact:

Sophie Drew
Communications
Ph: 02 6202 3400