It's culture that defines us

BY DAN GALLIGAN,
CEO, CANEGROWERS

In the last magazine for the year it seems appropriate to do a little bit of reflection.

It is not only a good idea, but also good practice to look back and learn before we charge head long into another year of the cut and thrust of agriculture.

This year has been remarkable in many ways, but I feel it was also a year when CANEGROWERS’ culture and values were tested.

Ours is a culture that has been honed over decades. It has been formed by the many efforts of farmers who saw the need for collective representation and collective action to preserve, build, and advance this industry. Working together, not just for themselves, but for the benefit of the whole industry, with the interests of all growers in mind. It’s an approach has been called upon and tested this year.

The decision by STL to move to an insource model of terminal operations was dropped on growers in January and has dominated and divided discussions amongst many growers ever since.

Yet, what many people don’t see is the thoughtful consideration and generosity of leadership displayed behind the scenes.

This leadership, by growers who are advocating for an outcome based on our core objectives and needs, is unattached to politics or personalities.

Equally, the culture of delivering industry-wide perspectives could not have been more obvious and positive than during the mid-year departure of the first tariff free shipment of Australian sugar to go to the United Kingdom in 50 years.

This was only possible because growers invested in the advocacy on the free trade deal and growers backed Smartcane BMP certification, which was the key reason that Tate & Lyle sugar refiners were willing purchase the cargo.

And they have done it again since, with a second shipment leaving Australia in October. That is a significant win for the whole industry delivered only because of the decision of growers.

Finally, late in the year we have seen the disappointing reality of Far Northern Milling (FNM) being placed into administration.

As it is in the south at Rocky Point, so it is in the far north at Mossman - growers and CANEGROWERS coming together to do all they can, to see their industry and their community survive.

This culture of collective action and a desire to look toward a future that goes beyond just their own individual interests is their greatest hope of success.

There are many more examples of moments of leadership and culture that test us as an organisation. Our values and respect for each other will continue to be the backbone upon which we should always lean as we navigate difficult issues.

Finally as we move into the end of the year I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and look forward to working with you again in 2024.