Australia: ABB’s barley regulation system abandoned by parliament

The South Australian parliament has passed legislation abandoning the single desk system operated solely by ABB Grain Export Ltd which has long regulated the export of barley, The Age reported March 28.

"The new act allows growers to deliver bulk barley to the exporter of their choice," said state Agriculture Minister Rory McEwen.

Mr McEwen said an independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia, would administer the scheme over the next three years.

"The future of the barley single desk has been a complex and long-standing issue and it's been pleasing to see the leadership shown by the industry in recommending these changes," the minister said.