The success of AWB’s new Golden Rewards payment and binning strategies relies on growers accurately declaring the wheat variety when they deliver the grain at harvest.

AWB (International) Limited General Manager Peter Geary said AWB and bulk handling companies were aware of instances this season where growers had falsely recorded the variety of wheat they delivered in an attempt to receive a higher payment.

“All growers are responsible, and those who participate in the National Pool could be penalised financially if just one grower falsely declares the variety on their weighbridge ticket,” said Mr Geary.

“If this occurs, the whole wheat stack will be affected and we will be unable to supply the correct wheat quality to our international customers.”

“AWB has an international reputation for supplying quality wheat that demands a premium. This reputation relies on our ability to deliver the exact wheat grade, variety and specifications that the customer requires,” said Mr Geary.

He said AWB was randomly checking thousands of samples delivered throughout the harvest period and any growers found falsely declaring their wheat variety would be penalised.

“If incorrect declarations are made, we instigate a rigorous sampling regime at that receival site for the remainder of the harvest.

“Growers should be aware that we do this testing at receival sites right across Australia,” said Mr Geary. “It is up to growers to be aware that they must take on the collective responsibility at their local receival site to do the right thing.”

For further information on wheat varieties growers should contact their local AWB area office or the AWB Grower Services Centre on 1800 054 433.

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For further information contact Jo O’Connell in AWB Public Affairs on (03) 9209 2555 or 0407 310 250.