Supply chain protocol for the importation of US maize into Australia

Summary

Continued availability of grain for intensive livestock feeding in Australia is at risk due to current and future potential grain shortages. Importation of whole grain without significant treatment to control Quarantine Pests and associated Non-Quarantine Pests is difficult, costly and subject to strict Quarantine Authority restrictions. The consultant was engaged by Meat & Livestock Australia to develop a supply chain protocol for the importation of US maize into Australia. The protocol outlines processes to minimise the quarantine risks of contamination of the maize with pests and diseases present in US maize. By selecting maize of the appropriate quality from States such as Minnesota the initial Pest load of the maize is reduced. By using an Identity Preservation system and a supply chain pathway to either the PNW or Gulf ports, the maize can be sourced and quality maintained and enhanced through processes such as cleaning and fumigation. A request for importation of USA corn to Australia’s Quarantine Authority has a greater chance of being approved with minimal costs of treatment of the grain by industry by following the processes outlined.