Emerald says the expansion of the existing network has been driven by Emerald’s model of providing local representation to grain producers across Australia.

"Toowoomba-based Philp Brodie Grains will become part of the Emerald Group on the 1st October 2010, following the acquisition of 100 per cent of the Philp Brodie business," Emerald chairman Alan Winney said.

"The acquisition adds an established Queensland business to the businesses already operating within the Emerald group of companies.

"Peter Brodie and John Philp have been leaders in the Queensland grain industry for over four decades and this business provides an excellent platform for Emerald’s further expansion."

Mr Winney said the Philp Brodie name would continue, and Peter Brodie would remain as managing director.

Emerald also announced the decision to expand its Victorian activities, where it operates through the SQP joint venture business in conjunction with the SQP Co-operative.

SQP will add a new office in Swan Hill servicing the Mallee region in Victoria.

This office will be in addition to the existing SQP offices in Ballarat and Horsham.

Two new offices will be added in WA located at Merredin and Albany, which will service the Eastern Wheat belt and the Great Southern regions respectively and will supplement existing Emerald offices in Geraldton, Perth and Esperance.

A new office will be established in Adelaide to work with growers in eastern South Australia.

This office will operate independently from the existing joint venture that Emerald shares with grower group Free Eyre on the Eyre Peninsula of SA.

The Southern Ag Grain JV operating out of Wagga, in conjunction with grower company Southern Ag Venture, will also expand its operations by adding two new grain merchants.

The acquisition of Philp Brodie in Queensland and the expansion in other states will move the Emerald footprint to 13 grain-focused offices around the grain belt.