GRAIN trader AWB says it will make a $131 million net payment to the farmers who participated in its wheat pools for 2008-09.
The grain trader and agribusiness operator says the amount paid will be after the deduction of supply chain costs, which will total about $14 million.
AWB says the distribution of funds would mean its 2008-09 pools were well over 90 per cent paid out for most grades, while durum grades were 100 per cent paid.
"We have been able to increase its value since harvest deliveries started in that season, despite a sharply falling world market during 2009," AWB's general manager of commodities, Mitch Morison, said in a statement.
AWB was able to provide wheat to customers who missed out in prior seasons due to the drought.
"We have been able to generate greater value for growers through strong payment performance and by bringing cash flow forward."
Payments will be finalised in March, a month ahead of schedule.
The 2009-10 wheat pools are still open for all grades except durum, with APW grade wheat estimated at $263 a tonne in the Eastern Pool and $257 a tonne in the Western Pool.
