No 1 Grade Pools Closed in Australia

SYDNEY - Mar 3/03 - SNS -- The Australian Wheat Board (AWB) has closed the number one AWB National Pool for all pay grades from the 2002-03 harvest "to protect the interests of pool participants."

Any remaining wheat deliveries from the 2002-03 harvest will now be accepted in a number two pool. There will be no number two pool for AEH or SASW pay grades and these wheat qualities will be received in number two AH or ASW pay grades respectively.

General Manager, AWB National Pool Sarah Scales said by closing the number one pool, AWB was able to better manage its position, and pool participants would not be adversely impacted by any further deliveries to the pool.

"The current global wheat marketing environment and the relatively small volume in the number one pool, due to reduced production, makes it extremely challenging to manage," said Scales.

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