A decade back, the public perception of the agriculture industry was one of subsidies, trade distortions and rigged markets. More recently, public awareness has focused on concerns over food security, price inflation and shortages.

The demand factors are easily identifiable – population growth, urbanisation, rising incomes, changing diets and fuel requirements. With the exception of bio-fuels, these factors combined present a picture of unrelenting demand for grains – gradual, paced and persistent.