$14.25 MILLION GRANT TO BOOST RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION

$14.25 MILLION GRANT TO BOOST RESEARCH,

DEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION

The Queensland Government is continuing its support for the sugarcane industry with a 5-year $14.25 million funding grant to Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) for research, development and extension (RD&E) activities.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government had been working with and supporting this iconic industry for 122 years.

“The Queensland Government has a long-standing history of supporting

RD&E activities that improve the prosperity and sustainability of the sugarcane industry,” Mr Furner said.

“This grant will see a further $14.25M committed to strategic RD&E investments that will increase our understanding of industry problems, enable the uptake of advanced technology, and implement innovative management practices to strengthen the industry.

“RD&E is critical to driving productivity and innovation in Queensland's agricultural industries.

“Our research support for agriculture, together with investment from our research partners, is key to helping farmers to solve production problems, so they get on with what they do best, growing the world’s best food and fibre.”

SRA’s 5-year Strategic Plan is focused on growing and shaping the prosperity of the Australian sugarcane industry and regional communities. A key focus area is the development of an RD&E growth strategy for the sugarcane industry, ensuring investments provide greater impact and lead to new innovations that are easily adopted.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) will work with SRA to identify critical areas for investment aligned with industry priorities. Potential areas of focus include adoption of digital technology, diversification of sugarcane use, decarbonisation opportunities, and biosecurity preparedness, management and prevention.

SRA Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the funding commitment from the Queensland Government was extremely welcome and would greatly assist the industry to grow and adapt to future challenges.

“Sugarcane is a vital industry to Queensland’s economy and for building regional prosperity,” Ms Baker said.

“SRA is focused on boosting our industry to deliver immediate value through our industry services and also long-term sustainability and growth. Investment in RD&E is critical, and I welcome the Queensland

Government’s commitment to sugarcane RD&E through this grant.”