Grain Trade Australia (GTA) in Sydney, Australia will be leading discussions with key grain industry specialists to draft a standard and supporting framework for the national adoption of digital image recognition technology for grain quality. This technology involves the use of digital images to assess grain quality attributes and defects in grain samples.
The Australian grain industry is taking steps to capture the benefits and emerging opportunities created by digital image recognition technology. After drafting a standard, the next step will be a pilot program to test the process. The chief executive officer of GTA, Pat O’Shannassy, stated that advancements in the accuracy of digital image recognition technology have the potential to improve the speed, accuracy, and consistency of grain quality testing. This will ensure consistency across various grain supply chains and facilitate trade.
Existing processes for some grain quality tests have remained the same for many years, relying on visual examination or other testing methods. Adoption of new technology across the industry requires the development of a standard and an accepted process to ensure consistency and accuracy. Researchers and technology providers are eager for the industry to adopt digital image recognition technology, but there is currently no standard and implementation framework to support its acceptance and use across the grain industry.
According to O’Shannassy, GTA is proposing an industry standard and supporting framework to enable the digital assessment and transformation of quality and phytosanitary components of the Australian grain testing and certification processes. This applies to both domestic and export grain. The standard will enable both government and commercial companies to adopt a uniform system for assessing, approving, and maintaining emerging digital imagery grain assessment technology.
GTA was formed in 1991 to formalize commodity trading standards, develop and publish the trade rules, and standardize grain contracts across the Australian grain industry. GTA helps to ensure the efficient facilitation of commercial activities across the grain supply chain.