With sustainability certification becoming increasingly important in some grain supply chains, growers across South Australia and Victoria are taking practical steps to better understand the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) system and what it means for their businesses.
As part of the ISCC Market Readiness and Risk Awareness Project, Pinion Advisory is working with Grain Producers SA (GPSA) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to help growers build confidence in certification requirements and prepare for future audits.
Following a series of ISCC Ready dinner events earlier this year, the first round of workshops was delivered in June 2026 across Cummins, Clare and Horsham. Around 60 growers and industry participants attended Workshop 1, which focused on understanding certification requirements, market expectations and the practical realities of becoming ISCC ready.
One of the strongest messages from the workshops is that many growers are already undertaking a significant proportion of the practices required under ISCC. However, uncertainty remains around documentation, evidence collection and understanding what auditors are looking for. These areas have become a major focus of the project.
Participant discussions highlighted several practical areas where growers are seeking greater clarity, including chemical storage standards, workplace health and safety requirements, employment records and staff documentation, land use change obligations, and how to manage compliance in share farming arrangements.
The workshops also helped position ISCC as more than a compliance requirement. Rather than adding another layer of administration, ISCC brings together many practices growers already manage, such as workplace safety, environmental compliance and record keeping, into a single, globally recognised framework.
While these topics can seem complex, growers welcomed the opportunity to work through real-world examples and gain clarity on what is required.
Feedback from the workshops has been highly encouraging. Growers particularly valued the practical nature of the sessions, access to templates and tools, and the opportunity to explore the certification process and available support pathways. The interactive format also allowed growers to learn from each other's experiences and discuss common concerns.
Early survey results have reinforced the need for this type of support. While nearly two-thirds of respondents indicated they had already signed up for ISCC, only a small proportion considered themselves fully ISCC ready. Many identified uncertainty around requirements and concerns about additional administration as key barriers to progressing certification.
The next phase of the project will move beyond building understanding and focus on implementation. Workshops 2 and 3 will provide hands-on support with record management systems, evidence collection, farm documentation and supply chain expectations. Participants will work through practical examples of ISCC requirements and integrate these into farm business administration.
Interest in the remaining workshops has been strong. Check here to stay up to date with future sessions and availability.
The ISCC awareness for growers project is an investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). It is led by Pinion Advisory in collaboration with Grain Producers SA (GPSA).
Sarah Barrett
Lead Consultant – Sustainability Strategy