GPSA outlines priorities ahead of State Election

Grain Producers SA is calling on all political parties to commit to practical support for the state’s grain industry ahead of the 2026 South Australian election.

The organisation has formally provided its election priorities to all major political parties and crossbench representatives several months ago, focusing on drought resilience, infrastructure, biosecurity, chemical access, connectivity, workforce pressures and the protection of productive agricultural land.

Chief Executive Brad Perry says the priorities reflect both the immediate pressures facing growers and the long-term needs of South Australia’s largest agricultural sector.

He said GPSA has welcomed the State Government’s recent backing of state-facilitated low-interest drought loans, describing the measure as critical after successive dry seasons.

However, the organisation says sustained investment and policy certainty will be essential if the industry is to maintain productivity and support regional employment in the wake of this next election.

Among its key requests are a statewide rail and port freight study, a Farm Gate Access Road Funding Program, and a one-billion-dollar drought and emergency support package.

The platform also calls for stronger biosecurity capacity, improved mobile connectivity, expanded weather and spray data services, and an audit to safeguard highly productive cropping land from urban expansion.

The full list of GPSA election priorities can be viewed online through their website at grainsproducerssa.com.au.