Europe is the prime export destination market for Australian canola, at times buying up to 80% of Australia’s exports. The European demand is founded on the suitability of canola as a feedstock for the European biodiesel industry.
The European Union impose specific sustainability requirements for energy feedstocks used to replace fossil fuels, and Australian canola growers need to adhere to these requirements if their canola is to be exported to Europe for biodiesel.
To ensure Australian canola meets EU sustainability requirements, the grower and parts of the supply chain are required to be certified as meeting the requirements. In Australia, most canola is certified under a scheme called ISCC.
To make compliance easier for growers, the Australian Oilseed Federation (AOF) has established a Central Office to simplify and streamline the paperwork and audit requirements for growers and traders. The Central Office, or process is called ‘Sustainable Grain Australia’, or SGA.
If you would like to sell grain to one of the Sustainable Grain Australia participants for the European market you will need to complete an SGA ‘Self-Assessment’ prior to completing an SGA ‘Grower Sustainability Declaration’ using the NGR system.
- Complete a SGA ‘Self-Assessment’ prior to completing the ‘Grower Sustainability Declaration’ using the NGR system. To do this, go to ‘Sustainable Grain Australia’ website: www.sustainablegrain.com.au/growers/grower_self_assessment/
- When the Self-Assessment is complete, you will be issued a code to unlock access to the Self Declaration via the NGR website. Complete the ‘Self Declaration’ by logging into my NGR, Select the EDOCS tab and follow the prompts.(Paper based ISCC Declarations will not be accepted). Assistance with completion of your declaration can be sought from the NGR Service Centre team on 1800 556 630.