Sugar tax talk a dark spot as growers gear up for harvest

Queensland’s sugarcane growers are ramping up preparations for the 2018 harvest, proud of the natural product they supply to the world.

Initial estimates collated by grower organisation CANEGROWERS indicates the state’s farms will cut more than 32 million tonnes of cane in 2018 – slightly up on last year’s crop.

“We are a proud Australian industry, producing a product that is in demand because of its quality,” Chairman Paul Schembri said.

“A predicted world surplus has put a dampener on prices, but our Queensland crop is looking good despite the challenges that flooding and storms have thrown at us.

“We work hard and are passionate about what we do – growing sugarcane in a sustainable way.

“One dark spot in our optimism for the 2018 season is the renewed calls for a sugar tax, most recently on the ABC TV program 4 Corners.”

CANEGROWERS acknowledges that Australia is facing a significant challenge in tackling increasing rates of obesity within the community.

“But we remain opposed to the introduction of a sugar (soft drink) tax in Australia - demonising one ingredient by singling it out as the root of all dietary issues is simplistic and therefore dangerous,” Mr Schembri said.

“Complex problems require complex solutions and tax on a single, natural food ingredient does not fit the bill.

“Domestic sugar sales have not kept pace with Australia’s population growth in recent decades and have been relatively static around 1980s levels despite an almost 60% increase in Australia’s population during the same period. The only logical conclusion for this disparity is that Australians across the board are eating less sugar.

“We support empowering all people with the information that enables them to make healthy food choices across all food categories and maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. CANEGROWERS remains committed to being engaged and involved in this discussion on behalf of our members.”