SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Peter Reading has been appointed as the chairman of Grain Trade Australia following the retirement of Tom Keene at the GTA Annual General Meeting on Oct. 23.  Reading was appointed to the GTA board in August. Reading acknowledged the significant contribution of Keene to GTA over the last four years.
“At a time of major change within the Australian and global grain markets, the GTA Board, working under the guidance of Keene, implemented strategies to ensure trade was enhanced,” Reading said. “On behalf of the board and GTA members, I would formally like to acknowledge Tom’s substantial contribution to GTA.”
The Chairman’s Report to Members at the AGM detailed the sound financial position of the organization and its achievements over the last 12 months.
“Reflecting on achievements, however does not entitle an organization to future success,” said Reading. “The detailed Strategic Plan developed following widespread industry consultation sets the direction for GTA.”
Major initiatives to be undertaken in the forthcoming year include additional resources for trade and market access initiatives and expansion of the professional development program to a Diploma level course.
“The GTA board looks forward to working with members and the broader grains industry to ensure trade activity, be it domestic or global is conducted in an efficient and commercially acceptable manner,” Reading added.
The Annual Report and Strategic Direction documents can be downloaded from the GTA website at
www.graintrade.org.au.