WHAT INSPIRED EPCBH

Competition issues in the Australian grain industry have been well documented and exhaustively reported on.

Grain Producers SA has conducted grower surveys for the past five years.   The highest priority has consistently been storage, handling costs and efficiencies, and issues associated within the current supply chain facilities.  Notably, an inherent lack of freight and export alternatives was evident.

EPCBH identified the need to improve export outcomes for growers. Our aim is to improve returns to growers by the provision of a competitive supply chain.’

It is for these reasons that the EPCBH has been formed.

EPCBH represents farmers from all regions across the Eyre Peninsula.  We have advanced our vision through:

• partnering with Adelaide-based resources company, Iron Road Limited, developer of the Central Eyre Iron Project (CEIP);
• and Macquarie Capital) working together to establish a storage handling and export facility at Iron Road’s proposed deep sea port at Cape Hardy.

PRESS RELEASE – EXCERPT

EPCBH seeks advantage for local grain growers, signs MoU with Iron Road

Eyre Peninsula Cooperative Bulk Handling (EPCBH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iron Road Limited to work together to advance the development of a new grain handling business with export facilities at Cape Hardy.

The signing demonstrates the parties’ intention towards a consortium approach to the building of the grain export facilities.

EPCBH is expected to play in important role in securing additional grain supply, complementing Iron Road’s existing agreement with Emerald Grain.

Cooperative spokesperson Bruce Heddle said the group intends to pursue any advantage for the region’s farmers.

“This isn’t just about improving competitiveness for cooperative members, but for the whole of the Eyre Peninsula.

“The new port provides a significant opportunity for grain growers and we are committed to exploring every option that may bring advantages for farmers.”