Grains Australia puts the call out for pulse enthusiasts to form inaugural Pulse Council

Grains Australia is on the hunt for pulse enthusiasts and experts to form its first national pulse council as the new group powers on with bringing together industry “good functions” for a third year and amalgamates Pulse Australia. The council will have responsibility for overseeing the implementation of Australia’s new national pulse classification system, and provide expertise and advice in identifying pulse trade and market access priorities. It will also focus on requirements for market information and education relevant to pulses. Grains Australia Richard Simonaitis said he welcomed applications from across the nation’s pulse industry. “What we are looking for is people who have a deep understanding of the Australian pulse industry and can provide strategic advice about its unique market needs, priorities and opportunities,” he said. “The Pulse Council will be established through an open call for Expressions of Interest and membership selections will be based on skills and experience alongside the diversity of the group with regards to background, geography and position in the supply chain.” The national group — which already has wheat, oat and barley councils — launched applications this month, calling on people with skills and experience in pulse research, breeding, production, trade and storage, grain handling or processing and consumers. The pulse council is one of several commodity councils being established by Grains Australia to represent and provide advice to the board on behalf of individual grain commodities including barley, oilseeds, pulses and wheat. It also has a Grains Market Access Council to represent the commodities and provide strategic advice to the Grains Australia board. The purpose of Grains Australia’s commodity councils is to provide advice to help guide the organisation’s strategic direction consistent with its delivery of its three key pillars — classification, trade and market access, and market information and education. Candidates can apply through the Grains Australia website before 5pm on April 28.