Latest news from CANEGROWERS this fortnight
An update on organisation activities
15 July 2008
Urea importation unlikely to proceed: Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ron Mullins said the importation of urea was unlikely to proceed due to the supply not being secured on acceptable terms and to continue may have put members’ funds at risk. This year CANEGROWERS drew on the assistance and advice of experts in financial, legal, shipping and the fertiliser trade to assist with the procurement of a shipment. Ron said that despite best endeavours the product quality could not be confirmed and shipping dates were being delayed beyond any acceptable delivery date. CANEGROWERS will continue to seek a long term alliance with alternate suppliers in order to bring about much needed competition.
Review of Good Quality Agricultural Land: Ron attended a meeting of peak industry representatives to discuss the Department of Natural Resources’ proposal to review of the legislation and regulations governing the classification and use of good quality agricultural land. Industry called on the department for the review to include all stakeholder groups and a whole-of-government approach is taken.
Queensland Sugar’s Board Selection Committee: Grower representative members of Queensland Sugar Limited are voting this month to decide two vacancies for the QSL Board Selection Committee. Grower Representative Members will elect two out of the five who have nominated for the positions. CANEGROWERS Chairman Alf Cristaudo and Chief Executive Officer Ian Ballantyne have nominated for the selection committee.
Emissions trading scheme: Bernard Milford, Senior Policy Manager, has been working in the area of the proposed emissions trading scheme (ETS). He attended a “Dialogue for Action” organised by the Queensland DPI and EPA and attended by both Ministers. This forum discussed issues relating to possible impacts of the scheme on agriculture and the implications of whether agriculture is “covered” or “uncovered”. Coverage does not mean that agriculture would be unaffected, as increased costs for fuel and electricity would be passed through the chain. It refers to whether gasses from fertiliser use and burping cows would be included, and this is a vexed question. The Queensland Government has committed to “assist” agriculture in this area.
Garnaut report: Bernard reviewed the draft Garnaut report and participated in the development of the NFF and QFF response. The draft report did not cover agriculture extensively, but did propose that it not be covered at the start of the scheme. Bernard, along with Suzi Moore, Communications Manager and Nick Kennedy, Editor – Australian Canegrower, attended the public meeting held in Brisbane City Hall that was addressed by Professor Garnaut. His talk covered the possible scenarios of climate change and the urgent need for action in this area.
Research review: Bernard has also been working on the report of the ASA Research Committee on research structures and systems. This has been finalised and sent to the ASA Board, which will meet next week.
Cane analysis: Bernard has reviewed proposed cane analysis programs and grower pricing agreements for a couple of district.
Reef rescue plan: Tim Wrigley, Senior Manager – Environment & Natural Resources and Rob Cocco, CEO, Mackay Whitsunday NRM, spent three days in the Burdekin, Herbert and Wet Tropics with growers, productivity boards, BSES and millers representatives outlining the Reef Rescue incentive package. A regional plan is to be delivered in the regional NRM areas with industry input. Funding for the first transitional year will be available in October if the regional plans are agreed upon at a state and federal level. Reef Rescue is a five year program so there will be many opportunities to be part of the program in the years to come.
Water Mackay: The draft Water Resource Plan for Mackay was released last week which included major restrictions on the use of groundwater. For many growers, they would not be able to use groundwater at all for many years. Eric Danzi, Senior Manager - Planning, will meet with State Government officials in the coming weeks in order to try and obtain a more acceptable and sensible outcome for growers.
ABARE survey: ABARE has almost finalised its survey of cane growers for 2007/08 and this is expected to be released in the coming month. Eric is assisting ABARE fine tune the results to ensure that the information is as accurate and realistic as possible.
Isis planning: Eric will be in Isis this week finalising the new strategic plan for the district. Eric will also assist the new harvesting cooperative put together a plan for expansion over the next five years.
Best Management Practice Booklets: Joseph Evans, Manager - Industry Programs, Suzi Moore and Nick Kennedy are working with BSES to progress the SmartCane Best Management Practice booklets. Content of three booklets is finalised with final stages of pre-printing layout occurring. This project is a partnership between the Sustainable Industries Division of Queensland Government’s Environmental Protection Agency, CANEGROWERS and BSES.
Rural Water Use Efficiency: The Rural Water Use Efficiency Extension Officers and Joseph participated in a telephone conference to progress reporting, work plans, the upcoming Salinity and Irrigation Workshop, and the technical support by the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture.
Transport enquiries: Joseph has assisted some growers in response to some transport related enquiries. He is also having discussions with Queensland Transport about the impact of the upcoming new Fatigue Management laws which commence on 28 September. The combination of these laws, with the wider chain of responsibility (which also covers maintenance, mass and other transport issues) has the potential to have a significant impact on the sugarcane industry.
Climate change accounting: Joseph attended a presentation run by accounting firm BDO Kendalls on climate change initiatives and concessions operated by the Federal Government. While focused on small businesses, this was important to obtain an awareness of some forthcoming changes to concessions and incentives.
Drought review: Joseph is working with CANEGROWERS district organisations to provide contributions to submissions by Queensland Farmers’ Federation and National Farmers’ Federation in response to the Federal Government’s drought review.
CANEGROWERS AgChemicals: The launch of the new ordering system of AgChemicals in June received strong support from many growers. Member Services officer Caralyne Wilson said that during July, CANEGROWERS is offering the monthly special of a 2.5% discount on all chemical purchases. With every new system there are always ‘bugs to iron out’ but the only problem to date is the delay in some of the deliveries to growers. Caralyne advises everyone has been very patient while we attempt to put better systems in place to ensure better delivery times and communication with members. She says CANEGROWERS has been able to save members a lot of money on chemical purchases and will continue to do so over the season.
Discounted suppliers – products and services: Member Services is developing a product list of other useful AgProducts that may benefit growers. Within the next few months, CANEGROWERS hope to offer products from areas such as animal health, rural supplies through to various cleaning products which are currently under investigation. Caralyne is currently in negotiations with FarmCam after receiving a request from members. With the high cost of fuel, some growers are finding that their bulk fuel stores are prime targets. The FarmCam is a motion activated digital security camera that operates for up to 9 weeks on its rechargeable battery – totally wire-free, capturing 32,000 images on internal memory card. With no need for a technician, members can velcro or screw the camera to the wall, turn it on and walk away. Look out for the launch of this product next month.
