SunRice has officially launched the CY26 season, with nearly 300 growers gathering in April at two ‘Riverina at our Heart’ dinners to hear what’s ahead for the rice industry. The events spotlighted the integral role of Riverina rice in SunRice’s 2030 Growth Strategy and reaffirmed the company's commitment to a partnership approach that aims to boost farm gate profitability.

This year brings several key updates. Notably, GrowRice funding will be available earlier than ever, starting May 1, 2025, giving approved growers more flexibility to secure inputs like water when it best suits their operations. 

SunRice is seeking around 500,000 metric tonnes of Riverina rice for CY26, with 85% through the traditional Paddy Pool system and up to 15% via a new $420/MT Fixed Price Contract for Matilda (V071) only. SunRice is also beginning to shape CY27 based on grower feedback, including considering incentives for consistent supply and quality, and new pricing mechanisms for trash. 

Importantly, SunRice is no longer the Buyer of Last Resort, so growers must secure a confirmed contract (Pool Contract and/or Fixed Price Contract) to supply rice in CY26. Seed orders and contracts open 12 May 2025 through the Grower Portal, with Pool contracts confirmed within five days and Fixed Price Contracts confirmed within three.

All the details, plus contract terms, seed ordering information and quality specifications, are available in the CY26 Growers’ Handbook, which has been mailed to growers. An online version is also available under ‘Ready for CY26?’ on this website.

Read the full CY26 Launch and Seed Circular here: https://mobimag.co/grower-central/cy26-seed-circular/1