25 February 2025. Chris Punzell, AgForce Cane President.
The cane industry has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years.
Considering threats from floods in recent times, we have survived and thrived. Sugar cane is still here providing a lifeline to primary producers in our state's north.
Like all primary industries, growing cane comes with various challenges such as adjusting to changing weather conditions, market price fluctuations and regulatory constraints.
But put all of these to one side and you have a great business where you can be in control of your destiny, using the driver of personal achievement and goals to assist you on this path.
Sugar cane provides a flexible income and lifestyle with the ability to achieve operating improvements that can be met and supported with financial and other gains.
There are numerous organisations available to provide specialised support and guidance to new farmers entering this field, as well as existing farmers to call on as we move into a more modern production environment.
I believe there will always be a market for sugar in some form in the world, and look forward to developing future working arrangements with various organisations and millers to maintain the sustainability of sugar cane and agriculture.
The industry has strong diversification potential, for example in power co-generation - to assist and complement the sustainability of sugar cane.
And despite what the doubters might suggest - it's an industry with a great future, as it is a renewable resource well suited for the areas we grow in.
The cane plant is resilient. It can withstand most floods and droughts - compared to many crops where these seasonal variations often lead to total crop loss.
It also has the ability to contribute to carbon, biodiversity and other natural capital markets and opportunities.
So this all adds up to an exciting opportunity to establish and develop a business with the ability to expand through inter-generational transfer as well as one that welcomes new players.
This industry provides a real opportunity for all, particularly young people passionate about primary production.
I hope you can come along to our upcoming in industry information sessions kicking off at Gin Gin on March 24, before rolling onto other towns such as Mackay, Proserpine, Ayr, Tully and Ingham.
We as an industry have a lot to contribute to climate and environmental challenges, as well as social and economic contributions at a community level.
Cane supports local economies and jobs. We'd love you to be part of it too.
