Fuel security, renewable diesel, & do we need another sustainability framework?

In Episode2 of the On WA Farmers Podcast, WA Farmers CEO Trevor Whittington and Vice President Mic Fels dive deep into one of the most pressing issues facing Australian agriculture and the broader economy — fuel security. From the Prime Minister's $4 million refinery announcement to the real difference between biodiesel and renewable diesel, Trevor breaks down what the headlines are missing and what it actually means for farmers on the ground. The conversation covers Australia's dangerously low fuel reserves, the barriers to domestic refining, and why mandated biofuels could end up hitting farmers twice — once at the bowser and again through higher input costs. Mic and Trevor also tackle standalone power systems on farms, looming biofuel tank regulations that could force costly upgrades, and why joining an agricultural advocacy group has never been more important. The second half of the episode turns to sustainability frameworks, with Trevor offering a frank critique of GRDC's recently commissioned reports. Are these frameworks solving real market problems — or laying the groundwork for future regulation? With Australian grain already world-renowned for quality, the case is made that our industry's track record speaks for itself, and that growers deserve a direct say in how their levy dollars are spent. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 ONWAFarmers Episode 2 with Mic and Trevor 00:42 PM's $4M Refinery Announcement: is it real? 01:37 Biodiesel vs Renewable Diesel Explained 04:16 Canola-to-Diesel: The Numbers! 07:00 Australia's Fuel Reserves Crisis 07:36 Fracking Bans & Crude Supply 08:53 Strait of Hormuz & the Harvest Risk 10:31 Could a New Refinery Actually Work? 11:07 Sustainable Aviation Fuel & EVs 13:16 Farm Power: Standalone Systems 15:39 New Biofuel Tank Regulations: will your tanks be compliant? 17:15 Why Advocacy Groups Matter 21:48 Free Markets vs Protectionism 22:58 Food & Manufacturing Security Debate 26:08 National Resilience & Skills Base 29:21 What Does Sustainability Actually Mean? 29:58 GRDC's Sustainability Reports: do we need another one? 35:31 What is "Social License" & Live Export Ban 41:21 Australian Grain's Global Reputation 43:22 Dairy Collapse & WA Food Security 47:44 GRDC Governance & Levy Reform 52:58 Growers Need a Vote 54:20 Wrap-Up & Coming Episodes If you found this episode useful, please give it a like — it helps get these conversations in front of more farmers, voters and policy makers who need to hear them. If you value what we do, support us by joining WAFarmers now: https://members.wafarmers.org.au/auth/register Produced for and on behalf of WAFarmers by Mic Fels (2026 Vice President). Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or even better follow us on our socials @WAFarmers, and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. There's plenty more knowledge to unpack.