Annual Report 2023-24

Environment and Sustainability

Environment and Sustainability Activities

Creating a more sustainable future

CANEGROWERS undertook several initiatives in 2023-24 to enhance environmental sustainability.

The organisation promoted the safe use of agricultural chemicals by addressing spray drift issues through the National Working Party for Pesticide Application (NWPPA), and secured emergency permits to manage rat outbreaks. 

In biosecurity, the organisation helped update the Sugarcane Industry Biosecurity Plan and contributed to the Red Witchweed eradication program. CANEGROWERS also successfully lobbied for greater government funding for fire ant eradication.

A CANEGROWERS-commissioned study found that GHG emissions on cane farms have reduced by 30% over the last 20 years, due to adoption of better practices. Further research has been commissioned to identify opportunities for further reductions in emissions, and a GHG emissions calculator is being updated in partnership with Agriculture Innovation Australia to make it readily applicable to sugarcane.

In water quality, CANEGROWERS advocated for reforms to the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan and continued to support voluntary programs, such as Smartcane BMP, which encourage growers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. We continued to raise concerns about the transparency and impact of the Reef Credits scheme.

The Smartcane BMP program, now in its tenth year, remains the gold standard for sustainable farming, with 170,928 hectares of Queensland’s cane land (43% of the total area) now third-party certified. The program has gained broad recognition for its sustainability credentials, supported by Queensland Government funding, and offers growers an alternative compliance pathway under Reef Regulations. Since early 2023, 120 new enterprises have been accredited.