The Australian grain industry is looking to take advantage of the benefits and emerging opportunities presented by digital image recognition technology, which uses digital images to evaluate grain quality attributes and defects in grain samples. Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is leading discussions with key grain industry specialists in Sydney to establish a standard and supporting framework for the national adoption of this technology.

GTA’s chief executive officer, Pat O’Shannassy, emphasized the potential of digital image recognition technology to enhance the speed, accuracy, and consistency of grain quality testing. Having consistency in various grain supply chains is important for all stakeholders and contributes to smooth facilitation of trade. Current processes for some grain quality tests rely on visual examination or other methods that have not changed for many years. Therefore, the industry recognizes the need to develop a standard and an accepted process to ensure the consistency and accuracy of new equipment before it is introduced to the market.

Researchers and technology providers are eager for the industry to adopt digital image recognition technology, but there is currently no standard or implementation framework to support its acceptance and use across the grain industry. GTA proposes an industry standard and supporting framework that will enable digital assessment and transformation of quality and phytosanitary components of Australian grain testing and certification processes for both domestic and export grains. The proposed standard will allow government agencies as well as commercial companies to adopt a uniform system for assessing, approving,