29 January 2007 - The first shipment of wheat under the CBH Group's historic wheat export licence left Western Australia's shores on Friday, 26 January 2007, coinciding with Australia Day.
The CBH Group was granted a licence by the Wheat Export Authority and Federal Minister for Agriculture, Hon Peter McGauran, in December 2006 to export 500,000 tonnes of wheat to its Asian flour milling investment in Indonesia.
The first shipment of 25,000 tonnes of wheat was loaded at the CBH Group’s Esperance Terminal and is headed to Makassar Port in Indonesia to be milled into flour.
Tony Critch, CBH Group Chairman said the first shipment represented a significant milestone for Western Australian grain growers.
“For the first time in 68 years, growers have the opportunity to secure enhanced value for their wheat via alternative pathways to international markets,” Mr Critch said.
“The CBH Group has always held the firm belief that the CBH Group Wheat Pool and licence would provide enhanced benefits to WA growers.
“With the wheat under the licence arrangement now making its way into the market, we have the opportunity to be able to bring these benefits for WA growers to fruition.”
Mr Critch said the CBH Group believed the decision to grant the company a licence was the first step in reforming Australia’s wheat marketing system.
“I have no doubt that growers are looking forward to the coming review and consultation period into wheat marketing in Australia and the opportunity to develop an improved export wheat marketing system that allows them greater transparency, choice and the prospect of better returns for their business.”