The end of rice vesting arrangements

Yesterday, the NSW Government announced it will introduce draft legislation to end statutory rice export marketing ('vesting') arrangements by 1 July 2025.

In response to the announcement, the President of the Ricegrowers' Association (RGA) Peter Herrmann, said:

"While the RGA's policy is to retain the NSW rice vesting arrangements in their current form. The NSW Government's response to the ABARES report made it clear that maintaining the current arrangements was no longer an option.

“Complicating the regulatory powers of the Rice Marketing Act gradually over a period of time would have caused increased uncertainty in our industry, which is already facing numerous challenges like water reform.

"Though yesterday’s announcement is not in keeping with our current policy position, the RGA believes the proposed legislation and the planned removal of vesting arrangements can provide new opportunities for Riverina rice growers as we traverse economic and water reform challenges.

"Critical to the success of the proposed export arrangements will be ongoing consultation with industry stakeholders, which Minister Moriarty committed to yesterday."

The RGA leadership has consulted with its Environment, Productivity & Industry Affairs (EPIA) Committee and Board to provide input into discussions with the NSW Government. The RGA will discuss the proposed changes with its Members at its Branch AGMs in June.