AWB Australia commodity division general manager, Mitch Morison, said the move was made possible only after receiving accredition on Friday to export bulk wheat.

"With AWB Harvest Finance export accreditation granted by Wheat Exports Australia, AWB can now launch its 2008/09 season pool contracts, which allow growers to access AWB's 2008/09 Number 1 Pool and will initially offer growers a $10 per tonne premium above the final pool return for early commitment," Mr Morison said.

AWB Pools contracts will be available to growers from September 18 for both AWB's Eastern and Western Pools.

"AWB pool contracts provide guaranteed access for contracted tonnage into our pools – an important feature as growers have told us that they are concerned about the potential for pools to close during harvest," Mr Morison said.

The $10/t Early Commitment Premium is available to growers who contract into AWB's wheat pools between September 18 and October 10.

"Tonnage contracted early enables us to begin a sales and planning program, which benefits the pools," Mr Morison said.

"Growers who contract early allow this process to begin and should be rewarded accordingly.

"Our scope to achieve the premium is not limitless, so it is a case of 'first come, first served' until the premium offer is full, after which the contract will revert to a standard form.

"After the premium offer concludes we intend to offer growers the opportunity to contract into pools as we have done in previous years, to ensure growers have the opportunity to guarantee themselves access to AWB pools."

AWB will provide pool grade spreads and protein increments in the next AWB Pool update on September 22.