The peak sugarcane growers' group CANEGROWERS welcomes today's announcement of funding as the Australian sugar industry works to develop a strategy and roadmap to secure its future.
"Almost a year ago industry leaders came together – growers, millers and researchers – and agreed on the need to work together on a strategy to take us to 2040 and beyond," CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri said.
"Now with the confirmation of support from the Cooperative Research Centre for Northern Australia (CRCNA), this goal can move forward as we work with organisations across the Australian supply chain to give this vision some clarity and action."
Representing the majority of cane growers along Australia's east coast, CANEGROWERS is proud to play a significant part in the first whole-of-industry process for a shared Sugarcane Industry Roadmap.
"It is important that grower voices are heard at every step of the way as this project progresses because growers are the foundation of the Australian sugar industry, without us it would not exist," Mr Schembri said.
"We take our responsibility to the regional communities which rely on the sugar industry seriously and we have confidence in the future and the ability of growers to adapt and innovate, as they have done continuously over the 100-year history of our industry.
"Of course, we cannot do it alone and that is why working with the milling sector and our researchers along with enabling policy from governments is so important. While producing raw sugar for export may always be a key part of our industry, the time is right to take stock, work collaboratively and map the priorities that will take us forward.
"CANEGROWERS is excited about the opportunities this collaborative approach can deliver as we look to build on our strengths and capitalise on our commitment to sustainability."
Read the Sugar Research Australia/CRCNA media release on the project
