Research & development
CANEGROWERS recognises that today's best practice is unlikely to be tomorrows. In order to stay leaders in the adoption of sustainable cane farming practices we support ongoing relevant research and development.
There are two main bodies who conduct the majority of research and development work in the sugarcane industry:
BSES Limited (Research & Extension Service Provider)
SRDC (Investment in Research & Development)
BSES Limited
Thorough research, creative development and effective extension of new knowledge and technology are vital to every agricultural industry. BSES is the principal provider of research, development and extension to the Australian sugar industry.
BSES employs scientists, engineers, field staff, extension officers and administrative staff who work together to ensure that Australian sugarcane remains a valuable, viable commodity.
BSES has several major programs of work and conducts these through its stations, centres and laboratories that are located in 17 cane growing areas throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Plant Improvement
One of the most important services that BSES performs for the Australian sugar industry is the breeding of new, hardier and better yielding varieties of commercial sugarcane. More than 98% of the sugarcane grown in Queensland is of a "Q" variety bred by BSES. Improvement in yield and sweetness (ccs) is perhaps the single most significant way in which sugarcane farms can increase their profitability and maintain their competitiveness. A substantial percentage of BSES resources focus on the delivery of better canes to industry through the Plant Improvement Program. In the last several years, resources have been applied through the BSES biotechnology team to investigate how understanding sugarcane at a molecular level can improve profitability and sustainability.
Crop Management
The BSES Crop Management Program identifies ways to improve farm efficiency, maximise yields, minimise inputs and costs, and reduce any impact of sugarcane production on the environment. The program also researches pest and disease management strategies and products, and develops ways for those to be readily adopted by industry. This program investigates areas including irrigation efficiency, minimising soil tillage to encourage beneficial organisms and reduce erosion, and identifying the most efficient use of fertilisers and pesticides.
Mechanisation Enhancements
The BSES Mechanisation Enhancement Program identifies ways in which new and improved technologies can be developed and applied to improve farm, harvest and mill efficiency. The Program advances understanding of many aspects of sugarcane production and harvesting, including improvements to the quality of tillage and billet planting equipment, designing methods and technology that reduce losses during the harvesting process, and developing new ways to help the harvest sector adopt best management practices.
Product and Process Improvement
The Product and Process Improvement Program conducts research and development aimed at enhancing the quality of cane and sugar. It also identifies new methods and technology that will simplify and speed the monitoring of quality parameters - for instance, using near infrared spectroscopy to accurately analyse the constituents of sugarcane on the mill conveyor belt, in real time.
Analytical Support
This laboratory-based program adds important value through its expertise in organic, biochemical and inorganic chemical analysis, standardisation, and pathogen diagnostics. Data generated within these laboratories serve both BSES internal research activities and a wide range of external clients. The Analytical Support Program has streamlined BSES laboratory service facilities that effectively communicate with the geographically diverse areas growing sugarcane in Australia.
Customer Service
Quality research and development is only valuable if it is effectively adopted by industry. BSES extension staff are a direct link between BSES researchers and growers, millers and harvest operators. The Customer Service section develops affordable, effective training and information programs that ensure that the benefits of new knowledge and technology quickly become adopted and working on the farm and at the mill.
For more information, contact:
T: (07) 3331 3333
E: info@bses.org.au
W: www.bses.org.au
SRDC
SRDC is a funding body focusing on producing outcomes to benefit the Australian sugar industry and the community. It does not conduct research itself but invests in, and manages, a broad spectrum of research by various research providers, with the goal of maximizing stakeholder returns on R&D investment.
SRDC was established under the Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989 (the PIERD Act) on 1 October 1990. It is part of a broader initiative by the Commonwealth Government to involve industry more closely in the determination of the objectives of R&D and to make R&D more efficient and effective in addressing industry, government, and community needs.
Core Business
SRDC’s core business is to foster an innovative and sustainable Australian sugar industry through targeted investment in research and development.
An innovative sugar industry will build capacity in people to …...capitalise on and embrace advances in science, engineering and technology.
A sustainable sugar industry will optimally combine the 3 Ps …...profit (economy), planet (environment) and people (society).
Objectives of SRDC
- To improve the competitive position and cost efficiency of the Australian sugar industry;
- To achieve sustainable use and sustainable management of the natural resource base of the sugar industry;
- To apply industry, scientific and community resources more effectively to R&D in the sugar industry; and
- To manage SRDC resources efficiently and to improve the accountability for expenditure on R&D for the sugar industry.
For more information, contact:
T: (07) 3210 0495
E: srdc@srdc.gov.au
W: www.srdc.gov.au