About CANEGROWERS
CANEGROWERS is the peak representative body for Australian sugarcane growers. Around 80% of Queensland sugarcane growers are members of the highly successful lobby, representation and services group. Based in Queensland, the State that produces around 95% of Australia’s raw sugar output, the CANEGROWERS National Office represents the interests of cane growers Australia wide.
Government and business leaders recognise CANEGROWERS as the authoritative voice of cane growers. Membership ensures that growers' needs are represented at the highest possible levels of industry and government decision-making. We safeguard growers' interests on all issues likely to affect their business.
The CANEGROWERS organisation exists to:
- Provide strong leadership for cane growers within a viable sugar industry
- Deliver effective representation and valuable services to Queensland cane growers
- Ensure cane grower strength and influence at local, district and state/national/international levels through unity and shared common values.
CANEGROWERS, the Australian Sugar Milling Council, BSES Limited (which conducts research into the sugar industry) and Queensland Sugar Ltd (which markets Queensland’s sugar), are generally recognised as comprising the Queensland Sugar Industry.
Who we are
Our formal name is Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd but everyone knows us as CANEGROWERS. We have been advancing and protecting the interests of cane farming families in Queensland since 1925.
Grower directors (elected by their fellow members) determine organisational policy, which is implemented by staff based in a State office in Brisbane and 15 regional offices.
For many years State Government regulations made it compulsory for all cane growers to belong to CANEGROWERS but since 2000 membership has been voluntary. Our membership of over 80% is amongst the highest for agricultural organisations in Australia.
What we do
Some of the things we do on behalf of growers:
- Negotiation with Federal, State and Local Governments on industry issues
- Negotiation with government agencies and other industry bodies on significant issues affecting cane growers
- Collective bargaining with mill owners on cane supply, processing and payment issues, allowances and bonuses
- Cane testing and negotiation of cane and sugar quality schemes
- Environmental sustainability and property rights
- Irrigation, drainage and water pricing issues
- Harvesting equity arrangements
- Transport, licensing and fuel issues
- Growers’ financial circumstances including government schemes and major lending institutions
- Industry research and extension matters
- Sugar marketing and trade issues
- Workplace health and safety matters
- Cane firing arrangements and rural fires
- Industrial representation and advice
- Crop protection, rats, canegrubs and other pest issues
- Chemicals and fertilisers usage
- Local government matters including valuations
CANEGROWERS also offers a wide range of services. District offices provide services and advice tailored for local needs. Many also act as the secretariat for bodies involved in local industry and community planning, development and management.
Organisational services include:
- Competitive crop and general insurance
- Fortnightly sugar magazine and email information
- Superannuation and financial services
- Canecard bulk buying service including chemicals, fuel, and irrigation equipment
- Travel and accommodation discounts
- Payroll and wages services
- Legal and technical advice
- Telephone discounts
- Assistance with applications
- Training for farm managers and employees
Our Vision
To ensure a secure and profitable future for cane growers
Our Mission
CANEGROWERS provides representation, leadership and services, and promotes unity in the interests of its members.
Our Goals
- Assist in maximising grower efficiency and profitability
- Contribute to long-term industry efficiency
- Enhance organisation effectiveness
- Develop a positive external environment for cane growers
- Recognise and manage diverse grower needs while maintaining organisation unity
- Provide a foundation and structure for future industry development and planning
Our Values
- Accountability to our members
- A focus on issues relevant to our members
- Credibility, integrity and professionalism
- Open and effective communication between growers, organisation units and external publics
- Community consciousness and
