WEA releases final AWBI report

Wheat Exports Australia (WEA) has released ‘The Growers Report 2008’ - the final report on the performance monitoring of AWB (International) Limited (AWBI). The Report is an analysis of AWBI’s management of the final National Pools under the Single Desk arrangements.

CEO of WEA, Peter Woods, said the report, released on 27 November 2009, was the final chapter of the previous wheat export marketing arrangements.

“WEA has analysed and reported on areas of significance relating to the performance of AWBI in managing the 2006/07 and 2007/08 National Pools,” he said.

Major findings from the Report include:

Real Pool returns increased in both the 2006/07 and 2007/08 National Pools as a result of the significant rise in world wheat prices despite the appreciating value of the AUD.
On the whole, AWBI successfully and effectively hedged the foreign exchange exposure since 1999/2000
AWBI has confirmed to WEA that it was not charged Finalisation Costs by AWB Services Ltd in respect of any winding-up activities at the conclusion of the final Pool.
In both the 2006/07 and 2007/08 Pools, WEA’s price discrimination analysis found no evidence that AWBI was able to consistently price discriminate across Pools or grades.

“Under the Wheat Export Marketing Act 2008, Australia has moved to a system of multiple exporters – there are currently 27 exporters accredited by WEA to export Australia’s wheat in bulk,” Mr Woods said.

View a copy of The Growers Report 2008.

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