Why become a CANEGROWERS Member
ON THIS PAGE
- Why you should become a Member of CANEGROWERS
- What we do
- Costs
Why you should become a member
In recent years there has been massive change to the Australian sugarcane industry but growers still require strong, effective representation of their special interests in an increasingly complex and demanding business environment.There is less industry regulation and more scope for entrepreneurial activity but growers still need to stand together and speak to governments and the community with a clear voice. Our ability to influence government and inform the community depends on unity of purpose on key issues. Fragmented representation dilutes growers’ ability to negotiate good outcomes.CANEGROWERS harnesses the power of individual growers to generate real lobbying clout at local, district and state/national levels.As a voluntary, member-driven organisation, we are committed to getting positive results for our members – in dollars and cents. Our activities are based on what’s good for your business; our success is measured by your success. Our goal is to provide real hip pocket value for your membership dollar, to help you to run a more productive, efficient and profitable farming enterprise.Our achievements are built on the involvement and support of many individual growers – growers just like you. We can’t achieve the impossible but we can help your business to grow in a stable sugar industry. Why should you be a member? Because it pays to be one.
Click here to see some of the great CANECARD discounts available currently
What we do
No other body can offer cane growers the breadth of representation and services provided by CANEGROWERS. Government and business leaders recognise our organisation as the authoritative voice of cane growers. Your membership investment ensures your needs are represented at the highest possible levels of industry and government decision-making. We safeguard your interests on all issues likely to affect your business.
- Lobbying of Federal, State and Local Governments on industry issues
- Negotiation with government agencies and other industry bodies on significant issues affecting cane growers
- Collective bargaining with mill owners on cane supply, processing and payment issues, allowances and bonuses
- Cane testing and negotiation of cane and sugar quality schemes
- Environmental sustainability and property rights
- Irrigation, drainage and water pricing issues
- Harvesting equity arrangements
- Transport, licensing and fuel issues
- Growers’ financial circumstances including government schemes and major lending institutions
- Industry research and extension matters
- Sugar marketing and trade issues
- Workplace health and safety matters
- Cane firing arrangements and rural fires
- Industrial representation and advice
- Crop protection, rats, canegrubs and other pest issues
- Chemicals and fertilisers usage
- Local government matters including valuations
CANEGROWERS also offers a wide range of services. District offices provide services and advice tailored for local needs. Many also act as the secretariat for bodies involved in local industry and community planning, development and management. Organisational services include:
- Competitive crop and general insurance
- Fortnightly sugar magazine and email information
- Superannuation and financial services
- Canecard bulk buying service including chemicals, fuel, and irrigation equipment
- Travel and accommodation discounts
- Payroll and wages services
- Legal and technical advice
- Telephone discounts
- Assistance with applications
- Training for farm managers and employees
How much it costs
Members of CANEGROWERS pay an annual membership fee, which is based on a rate per tonne of cane on all cane supplied during a crushing season.Membership fees are reviewed annually by elected grower representatives and advised to members.A member who ceases to be a member without paying the full membership fee remains liable for the outstanding fees. A cane grower wishing to become a member of QCGO must be a member of both QCGO Ltd and the relevant local CANEGROWERS company. Growers who supply cane to several mills must be a member of all relevant local corporations and QCGO Ltd.