Australia: Country�s grain companies join forces to market wheat to Iraq

In consultation with the Federal Government, ABB Grain Ltd (ABB), the CBH Group and GrainCorp Ltd announced on March 03 their intention to work together to maintain the valuable Iraqi wheat market for the benefit of Australian wheat growers.

Following the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile�s recent visit to Iraq, the three Australian-owned and grower controlled grain companies will jointly take part in a forthcoming tender to supply Australian wheat to Iraq.

The Iraqi Grains Board in late February signalled its desire to continue buying Australian wheat, however declined to deal with wheat exporter AWB Ltd.

ABB chairman Perry Gunner, CBH chairman Tony Critch and GrainCorp chairman Don Taylor today issued a joint statement saying the three companies hoped to bring stability to the grain industry during a difficult period.

�ABB, CBH and GrainCorp are committed to ensuring Australian wheat growers maintain important international markets for their wheat,� Mr Gunner said.

�As an industry, we cannot afford to sit back and see valuable markets lost and we are very pleased to work collaboratively on behalf of Australian growers.�

ABB, CBH and GrainCorp represent grain growers in each state of Australia, and store and handle the bulk of Australia�s 22 million tonne wheat crop and possess extensive networks and skills in marketing grain to overseas markets.