Online learning program in grain technology and mill processing aims to upskill Indonesian flour mills

JAKARTA, 15 November 2022 – In a bid to upskill workers in Indonesia’s rapidly growing flour milling industry, an online learning program specifically developed to support knowledge exchange between Australia and Indonesia will soon launch. Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible to receive a Certificate of Flour Mill Production issued by the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC).

Available in English and Bahasa Indonesia, the online learning program will consist of 29 modules and includes a series of training videos already developed by AEGIC.

As Australia’s largest wheat market, with exports in 2021 valued at over AUD 1.3 billion (UN Comtrade), Indonesia is a priority for Australia’s grains industry. Indonesian flour mills use approximately eight million tonnes of wheat annually, with an annual growth rate of around five percent. The industry is a major source of employment and economic activity across the food supply chain, including Indonesia’s large instant noodles export industry.

Supported by Katalis and Grains Australia Limited, the online learning program will help Indonesia’s flour milling industry to optimise the value of Australian wheat, support greater supply chain resilience, and deepen business relationships.

“In addition to the immediate skills benefits resulting 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,” said Paul Bartlett, Director, Katalis.

The activity is also expected to have a strong positive impact on women, particularly the women-owned businesses and women employees working in the rapidly emerging segment of artisan and boutique baking businesses supplying Indonesian consumers with innovative, value-adding bakery products.

“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. Grains Australia is thrilled to be working with Katalis, AEGIC and our partners in the flour milling industry in Indonesia to optimise the value of Australian wheat,” said Richard Simonaitis, CEO, Grains Australia.

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About Katalis
IA-CEPA ECP Katalis (Katalis) is a unique, five-year (2020-25) government-backed business development program unlocking the vast potential of economic partnership between Australia and Indonesia. Katalis was established under the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Economic Cooperation Program (IA-CEPA ECP). The program complements other Australian development programs with a commercially oriented, bilateral approach and places gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) at the centre of everything we do.

About Grains Australia
Grains Australia is the leading organisation delivering value to the Australian grains industry. Its purpose is to manage classification, market access, and marketing information and education to enhance the industry’s competitiveness and profitability. Grains Australia is an initiative of the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC). GRDC leads investment in grains research, development and extension in Australia to create enduring profitability for grain growers. A partnership between the Australian Government and grain growers, GRDC’s primary objective is to drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grains growers and benefit the industry and the wider community.