June 30, 2026
The State Government has entered into a joint $12 million research partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation to help Queensland farmers produce grain that’s insect and chemical-residue free.
The Post Harvest Grains Research Project, at the DPI’s research facility near Warwick, will investigate:
- Technology to more quickly detect insects and uncover resistance to insecticides
- Monitor, record and map insect incursions
- Improve the way fumigation is used to reduce grain growers’ reliance on contact insecticides and reduce resistance developing in five major stored grain pests: lesser grain borer, red flour beetle, rice weevil, rusty grain beetle and saw-toothed grain beetle
- Find better ways to remove harmful gases from grain storage facilities to help industry comply with new SafeWork Australia regulations due to come into effect this year.
A government spokesperson said the work was expected to protect growers from losses up to $100 million annually while supporting continued access to phosphine, the industry’s most affordable and widely used treatment.
“This initiative is about protecting our grain growers from costly post-harvest losses while ensuring Queensland’s grains export market remains globally competitive,” Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said.
“These targeted projects will deliver practical solutions to safeguard growers’ profitability and strengthen the long-term sustainability of our industry.”
Workplace exposure changes to phosphine will come into effect on November 30.
- External link: Grain Trade Australia – Phosphine
