CHATSWOOD, AUSTRALIA — Grains Australia Limited has launched a new program in partnership with IA-CEPA ECP Katalis and the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) that will support knowledge exchange between Australia and Indonesia.

Richard Simonaitis, chief executive officer of Grains Australia, said that as one of Australia’s largest wheat markets, valued at over A$1.3 billion (US$876 million) in 2021, Indonesia is a key priority for the local grain industry. 

“The online learning program is designed to upskill workers in Indonesia’s rapidly growing flour milling industry, improving efficiency and enhancing the value of Australian wheat,” he said. “The program will deepen the business relationships between Indonesian flour millers and the Australian industry, leading to the expansion of that market.”  

Available in English and Bahasa Indonesia, the online learning program will consist of 29 modules and includes a series of training videos developed by AEGIC. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Flour Mill Production. 

“Indonesian flour mills use approximately 8 million tonnes of wheat each year, and this is growing at a rate of around 5% per year,” Simonaitis said. “With this program, we’re aiming to support the expansion of this important market.

“Well-trained flour millers and mill staff, who understand grain technology, processing, equipment, and food handling, will enhance the efficiency and operation of the Indonesian milling industry.”

Paul Bartlett, director, Katalis, said, “In addition to the immediate benefits to skills that will result from the online learning program in grain technology and mill processing for Indonesian flour mills, we hope to develop deeper commercial ties between Indonesian flour millers and Australian wheat suppliers, which leads to the expansion of the flour and flour-based foods markets in Indonesia, potentially into third markets.”