AWB Limited

AWB Limited is an Australian agribusiness company, specializing in grain trading and rural services. It was a government body known as the Australian Wheat Board until 1999, when it was privatized and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

History

AWB Limited was established in 1939 under the Australian Wheat Board Act, with the aim of regulating the wheat market in Australia. The company was privatized in 1999 and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

In 2011, AWB was acquired by Agrium, a Canadian fertilizer company. Later, in 2013, it was sold to Cargill, an American agricultural company.

Operations

AWB Limited operates in all aspects of the grain supply chain, from growing to storage, handling, transport, marketing, and processing. The company also provides a range of rural services, including finance, insurance, and real estate.

Controversies

AWB Limited was involved in the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme scandal in 2005. The company was found to have paid kickbacks to the Iraqi government, in violation of UN sanctions. This led to a major inquiry, known as the Cole Inquiry, and significant changes in the company's management and operations.

See also

• Agriculture in Australia
• Grain trade
• Agribusiness