AWB Closes 2005-06 Durum Pools

SYDNEY - Jan 12/06 - SNS -- The Australian wheat marketing board closed its 2005-06 durum wheat pools in New South Wales and Queensland.

The closure affects its Number 1 APDR, AGDR and APDB National Pools. The 2005-06 Number 1 Durum Pool is now closed in the port zones of Newcastle in NSW and Brisbane and Gladstone in QLD.

National Pool Manager David Johnson said the decision to close the pool was made in consultation with the durum industry to assist in making marketing decisions to the benefit of growers returns.

"This allows the National Pool to expedite the determination of tonnage and quality which facilitates marketing during the optimal period," Johnson said. "The 2004-05 Durum pool was finalized and paid out following four distributions and we will endeavor to finalize the 2005-06 durum pool in a similar fashion."

Australia has the primary marketing window for durum in the first six months of the year, unlike the Northern hemisphere crop. AWB(I) has also opened a No 2 Durum pool in Newcastle and Brisbane, with an Estimated Pool Return (EPR) at $230 FOB for APDR and $190 FOB for AGDR. There will not be a No 2. APDB pool opened.

AWB reminds growers that Guaranteed Access Dates in other states are also approaching. After this time, the Number 1 National Pool may close for deliveries without further notice.