SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Truss concerned over GrainCorp sale

The Nationals will keep up pressure over the proposed sale of GrainCorp to American firm Archer Daniels Midland.

A sign bearing the Graincorp logo at the company's offices
The Nationals will keep up pressure over the proposed sale of Graincorp to an American company. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Nationals leader Warren Truss has "serious reservations" about GrainCorp being sold to an American company but accepts it's a decision for the treasurer after the election.

Grain giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) has launched a $3.4 billion proposed takeover of GrainCorp, one of Australia's largest listed agribusinesses.

The takeover still needs the approval of Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has approved the bid.

GrainCorp shareholders have been given until November 16 to decide whether to sell.

Mr Truss said he doubted whether the sale was in the national interest.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The deal would mean ADM, Cargill and Glencore would control almost 60 per cent of Australia's wheat shipments and put most of the nation's grain export infrastructure in foreign hands.

"That leads to where we will lose control over our own destiny and our capacity to expand our grain industry - those decisions would be made in board rooms in the US and other parts of the world," Mr Truss said.

He said the final decision would be in the hands of the next treasurer.

"I have certainly indicated to both sides of politics I have reservations about this matter but respect the fact the decision is ultimately the treasurer's," he said.

"I am confident a coalition treasurer will seriously and meaningfully address concerns."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world