Both old and new crop durum price estimates moved higher today on strong AWB sales to non-European durum markets such as North Africa and the Arabian Gulf, and strengthening international interest in durum.

AWB (International) Limited General Manager Peter Geary said final sales of old crop durum were achieving premium prices, and these premiums were being passed back to growers in old crop estimates

“As the 1999/2000 shipments come to an end, we are achieving high prices from these non-European markets, which we expect will extend across to our new crop marketing program,” said Mr Geary.

“While larger than normal durum crops are expected in both Canada and the United States for this coming season, there is the possibility that there will be a shortage of high quality durum.

“Lower durum production in Australia this season means that we have the ability to focus only on premium paying markets,” said Mr Geary.

All other pool estimates remain unchanged. AWB’s recently announced screenings only grade, ASC1, has now been included in the pool estimate table at $95 a tonne GST inclusive.

Golden Rewards matrices reflecting current pool returns are available from the Grower Service Centre on 1800 054 433 or from the AWB website at www.awb.com.au

The next pool update will be released on Monday, 11th December 2000.

ends

Pool estimate tables attached.

For further information contact Jo O'Connell at AWB Limited Public Affairs on 03 9209 2555 or 0407 310 250.