Australia’s grain industry is now sadly at risk of being dominated by foreign interests, the Nationals Senator for NSW, Fiona Nash, said.
The sale of the former AWB grains marketing business to US-based Cargill has been finalised, despite lobbying efforts against it by NSW growers and the Nationals.
“Cargill now has control of a significant component of Australian grain operations. This is a company that, because it’s privately owned, is not subject to the same transparency as other listed companies,” Senator Nash said.
“It also means growers have no say on future infrastructure and supply chain improvements no matter how badly they may be needed.
“The other concern is the potential for a duopoly controlling the grains industry with Graincorp being the other major player. It will potentially mirror what’s happening in the supermarket sector with Coles and Woolworths running the show.”
Senator Nash said the Cargill takeover reflects a disturbing trend of foreign ownership in the agricultural sector. The takeover of Sunrice by a Spanish company, Ebro, also looks likely.
“This is not just about the future of the Australian grains industry, it’s about our future food production and food security. The Labor/Greens/Independent government is asleep while the rest of the world is planning ahead, with our assets and resources,” Senator Nash said.
“The Treasurer Wayne Swan was so disinterested in the matter that he didn’t acknowledge a request to meet with farmers, and allowed Cargill to announce the government’s approval!
“And where were the regional Independents on this issue which affects their own electorates?
“By the time this government wakes up, Australia will own very little.”
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