Look back before we push forward

BY DAN GALLIGAN, CEO CANEGROWERS

The State election and associated change of government has provided a real opportunity for Queensland agriculture.

No matter what happens at elections the opportunity for policy renewal and new thinking exists. This change is particularly profound with a new party, a new leader and government formed off the back of strong regional power base. We already have a good relationship with David Crissafulli, but it will be a new dynamic now that he is Premier.

It is impossible to ignore the opportunity of having a cane grower’s son as the Premier of this state.

This month is also time for us to look back over the last 12 months of effort at CANEGROWERS . Our annual general meeting is an important time for accountability and transparency. We want growers to be proud of our efforts and inspired to work with us because that in turn drives us to do more next year.

We have strategic themes that we use to guide us on service delivery, and it is at this time of the year we reflect on what has been done to deliver on these objectives.

Advocacy

We are grateful for the support of our state peak body, Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), our national body, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), and internationally through the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers.

They bring efficiency to our advocacy efforts and provide a valuable space for growers to meet with colleagues from across a range of other industries and countries. They also provide political leverage. This was particularly well demonstrated this year, when the industry successfully defeated the national biosecurity levy and brought focus to the failing fire ant eradication program.

Additionally, our collective work saw the Federal Government reject what would have been a bad free trade agreement with the EU.

Working with QFF has assisted us to meet regularly with State Ministers along with both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.

Service to members

We continue to focus services on issues that affect growers to improve profitability. Our increased focus and delivery of monthly Marketing Information Services and our Business Essentials and Cost of Production training have received very positive feedback.

Equally, our districts have been working closely with QCGO to inform, advocate for, and implement programs around pigs, rats, and weed control.

Organisational collaboration

Our 13 districts are the front door to our organisation. We are a large industry whose diversity can often be overlooked, but our district model allows local growers’ priorities to receive the same attention as state and national issues.

The practical support that our offices provide is enormous, from leasing support, mill liaison, and cane analysis to local payroll services. We also offer free legal services, free crop insurance and district industrial relations advice along with the brokerage free CANEGROWERS insurance business.

Industry partnerships

There is no industry without growers, but CANEGROWERS is focused on the benefits of collaboration across the supply chain with those willing to work with us to deliver on our purpose.

We maintain partnerships with Sugar Research Australia, the Australian Sugar Alliance and regularly engage for specific purposes with the Australian Sugar Milling Council, Queensland Sugar Limited, Sugar Terminals Limited, and many individual milling companies.

We recognise new opportunities in the bioenergy sector and have joined BioEnergy Australia, the national peak body for biofuels manufacturers and feedstock providers.

Industry evolution

We view the future of the industry in a positive light, though we are not naive to the challenges and the inconsistent way opportunities may be shared.

As the industry evolves, our grower-led Policy Council and district leaders ensure we view the industry through the lens of what it means for growers, their families, and their communities. In 2023–24, we made record investments in education resources and in the very new and successful Next Ratoon mentoring program. We are very proud of this program and the growers who participated.

Equally important is the excellent work of our districts in bringing together grower groups and women’s sugar groups across the state. Finally, our first-ever Sugar Cubed conference, held in Mackay this year was a great success

There is much more to do and to achieve and while the focus of what we do may often lean towards political advocacy, our impact and timeframes for action goes way beyond political cycles.