CANEGROWERS has continued to review options for growers whose productivity has been drowned by the big wet.
Acting CEO of CANEGROWERS, Ron Mullins, says there are a range of existing programs for farmers in these types of situations. He says CANEGROWERS is encouraging affected growers to explore these options.
“We are urging growers to make contact with a Queensland Government Farm Financial Counsellor, a QRAA Client Services Officer and/or their own financial institution to discuss their financial situation and identify potential support options, he says.
QRAA General Manager, Program Delivery Services, Tony O’Dea says QRAA has Client Liaison Officers based in Innisfail, Mackay and Bundaberg who can provide growers with information on assistance measures available and actions required.
“For example, growers with existing QRAA loans may be able to request a period of interest only payments or a deferment of principal and interest repayments until their cash flow improves, or an extension of their loan terms to reduce their existing loan repayments. These growers should firstly discuss their individual circumstances with their nearest QRAA representative and, if appropriate, then provide cash flow estimates for 2010/11 and 2011/12 with their request, he says.
“Growers who have suffered direct damage through flooding may also be able to access an Individually Disaster Stricken Property (IDSP) certification through the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), enabling them to apply to QRAA for Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Assistance loans of up to $250,000 to assist with carry-on, replanting and re-establishment of affected areas. Growers who are considered viable and in desperate circumstances can access these loans at the concessional interest rate of 4%, Mr O’Dea says.
Alternatively, growers can contact their nearest Queensland Government Farm Financial Counselling Service for assistance with assessing the financial impact of their losses and carry-on finance and replanting requirements. Financial counsellors may also assist in negotiations with financial institutions and referral to other services.
If a large number of Individually Disaster Stricken Property Declarations are filed and the local community is clearly experiencing a major economic downturn as a result of the event, then further assistance may be provided by government. CANEGROWERS is monitoring the position in each region as rain continues to cause delays with harvest. It will update Government with the latest state of play as local and state-wide information comes to light.
The peak group for sugarcane growers, CANEGROWERS, says that conditions at this time do not currently qualify cane growing regions for a specific widespread disaster relief program, such as EC.
CANEGROWERS says it is important for growers to investigate options with their financial service providers to explore flexibility with their farm business arrangements as soon as possible.
Cane growers should contact QRAA on Freecall 1800 623 946, Queensland Government Farm Financial Counselling Service on 13 25 23, or their local CANEGROWERS office for more information
Media Comment: Ron Mullins, CANEGROWERS Acting CANEGROWERS CEO 07 3864 6444 or 0417 790 156.
BACKGROUND
• 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 on some farms up to 50% may be left in the paddock, and industry wide up to 18% of the total state 2010 crop unharvested.
• The impacts will run well into next year with reduced prospects for the 2011 season crop, with plantings for next season well behind, damage to fields and ratoon crops from heavy machinery on waterlogged soils, essential plant nutrients being unable to be applied because of sodden paddocks and lack of sunlight stunting cane growth.
• This season could well end with the lowest harvest in 20 years which may have serious community impact.
CANEGROWERS | 190 Edward Street BRISBANE QLD 4001 | T: 07 3864 6444 | F: 07 3864 6429 | enquiry@canegrowers.com.au | www.canegrowers.com.au | Caring for our land. Caring for our reef
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