VITERRA has delivered its largest canola export program this year.
About 480,000 was delivered to Viterra sites this year, a record in itself, with the company now shipping $500 million worth of the oilseed overseas.
Viterra Senior Oilseeds Trader Andrew Freebairn said the large crop and subsequent shipping schedule followed increased plantings and optimal growing conditions across the state.
“After a very positive season, growers have been met with strong and consistent demand for their canola,” he said.
“Record high pricing kicked in prior to new season canola being delivered, flagging the international demand for the oilseed.”
Australian canola is highly sought after, particularly in Europe which is where a large portion of sustainably grown canola is exported.
Mr Freebairn said the escalated demand has mostly been from these traditional European markets following changes in trade flows due to factors such as drought conditions in Canada, Covid-19 and the situation in Ukraine.
“We have also tapped into a new market and sent a bulk vessel to New Zealand for the first time,” he said.
More than 340,000 tonnes has already been loaded across Viterra’s port terminals, including the first vessels with genetically modified canola.
Viterra chief operations officer James Murray said GM canola has recently been loaded onto two separate vessels at Viterra’s Adelaide port terminals.
“Viterra manages the GM and non-GM supply chains separately through its food safety and quality management processes, which are in line with the company’s ISO 22000:2018 certification; the highest food safety and quality certification of any grain supply chain in Australia,” Mr Murray said.
“Our stringent processes also help Viterra to meet the varying requirements of end use customers and countries, which assists growers to consistently access these markets.”