CANEGROWERS Media Release


25 November 2010:
CANEGROWERS not seeking special assistance

CANEGROWERS has confirmed they are not seeking special assistance for cane growers, after a prolonged wet has washed away the silver lining on what was shaping up to be a great year. It is, however, throwing the weight of its support behind individual growers accessing existing relief arrangements.

The peak group for sugarcane growers confirmed today that current conditions do not appear to qualify cane growers for EC disaster relief, but it is a situation they intend to monitor closely.

The extraordinary wet summer and spring has kept the sugar content in sugarcane at record lows, reducing profits all round. Sodden fields have kept harvesters out of paddocks, slowing the season so much that up to 18% may be left in the paddock.

“For an industry that turns over $2 billion, that’s a huge dent in what was looking to be an absolute boomer,” said CANEGROWERS CEO, Steve Greenwood today.

“Adding insult to injury the impacts will run well into next year, with plantings for next season well behind, damage to fields from heavy machinery on waterlogged soils, and lack of sunlight stunting cane growth. This season could well end with the lowest harvest in 20 years – we are talking about a serious community impact here,” he said.

CANEGROWERS have been reviewing options for growers’ worst hit by the big wet, and while they have made it clear that they are not seeking special treatment, they are encouraging affected growers to explore the range of different programs currently available.

“The Queensland Government’s Individual Disaster Stricken Property Declarations provide a small level of assistance, and whilst originally for livestock, there may be limited freight assistance to help repair damage for crops,” says Greenwood.

“There are a range of loans through the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority (QRAA) which are designed for access by growers in these types of circumstances. It is also worth cluing-in local regional councils so they can build an accurate picture of the state of play in their area.”


Media Comment: Steve Greenwood, CANEGROWERS CEO, 0488 721 156. Alf Cristaudo, CANEGROWERS Chairman, 0418 181 204.