Postharvest deliveries into the Viterra network since March have doubled compared to last season as grower and buyer customers utilise the company’s new port direct service.
Viterra General Manager Operations Gavin Cavanagh says it's great to see increasing tonnes enter our system through port direct.
"The service is being utilised for a range of commodities and ports, meaning more of our customers can benefit from it," Gavin says.
“From 6 June to 3 July 2022, growers delivered over 28,000 tonnes of postharvest grain into our sites, compared to the same period last year when around 7500 tonnes were delivered.”
Port direct was introduced this year to give customers greater flexibility.
“It benefits our customers, enabling buyers who have a vessel booked to load to purchase grain directly from growers, and growers who store their grain on farm to deliver direct to port for a buyer’s vessel.
“Growers who manage the quality and delivery of their grain themselves can receive up to $11.10 per tonne reduction in receival fees this season.
“The new service has been very well received, and we’ve had positive feedback from customers involved which is really pleasing.”
Growers are encouraged to contact their buyer to discuss delivery options to use Viterra’s port direct service.
The increase in postharvest deliveries comes as Viterra’s exports through its South Australian ports surpassed five million tonnes last month.
This season the business has loaded 1.83 million tonnes at Port Lincoln and Thevenard, 1.18 million tonnes from Wallaroo and Port Giles and 2.37 million tonnes at Inner Harbour and Outer Harbor.
Gavin says grain has been delivered to 34 countries, reflecting the strong demand for South Australian grain when delivered into the Viterra network.
“This expansive list of destinations shows the confidence our end use customers have that the grain we deliver will meet their required specifications and importing countries’ food safety requirements.
“Our commitment to upholding food safety and quality means local growers who utilise the Viterra network have access to more buyers, offering them more choice when they choose to sell their grain.”