WQM in a Post Single-Desk Era

Until 2006, the Australian Wheat Board played a central role in providing numerous industry goods, including a comprehensive system of quality assurance. We examine the evolution of the wheat quality management system in Australia in the post single-desk era to gauge what lessons might apply to Canada that is reviewing its current wheat industry regulations. While industry collective actions in Australia were successful in maintaining its wheat classification and grading standards, the provision of other industry goods related to wheat quality management, market intelligence and market engagement developed more slowly. The most recent consolidation of many of these industry functions under Grains Australia Limited signifies the need for coordination and joint provision of complementary industry goods, achieved more effectively in a centralized structure. Furthermore, the levy-funded Grains R&D Corporation has played a critical role in the funding of grains industry goods in Australia. Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from Australia, as Canada contemplates regulatory changes to the Canada Grain Act, is that while the grains industry in Australia explored many options, it eventually redeveloped a well-funded, effective wheat quality management system that provides many of the same functions we currently see in Canada.