Global industry leaders gather in Cairns
As this update lands in your inbox, sugar industry leaders from around the world will be flying into Cairns for the World Association of Beet and Cane Growers (WABCG) conference.
It’s the first time in almost 20 years Australia has hosted the event - and it’s a great chance to put our growers and industry on show. Delegates from over a dozen countries will be talking trade, climate, and bioenergy, and getting out to see real Queensland farms in action.
With momentum building around sugarcane’s potential in clean energy, the timing couldn’t be better. We’ll keep you posted!
Scroll down to read the rest of this month's update
Industry in the spotlight
You might have seen some media coverage recently about a new federal inquiry looking into the potential for a biofuels and green energy industry in Queensland – one powered by sugarcane. It’s a welcome move and something CANEGROWERS has been pushing for behind the scenes.
For years we’ve talked about the untapped potential of our industry – not just as food, but as fuel, electricity, bioplastics and more. This inquiry gives us a real chance to put those ideas on the table and push for the kind of policy and investment settings that can turn potential into reality.
We’ll be making a full submission and fronting up at the hearings to make sure growers’ interests are at the heart of the conversation.
Of course, many of you have heard all this before and are understandably sceptical. But there’s no doubt the landscape has shifted. Net zero is now a driving force in government policy and investment, and regional industries like ours are firmly in the frame.
This could be a turning point! Read our media release here
Advocacy delivers – more growers now covered by disaster aid
In late-May, CANEGROWERS scored another major win for growers, with both the Queensland and Federal governments agreeing to broaden the definition of “primary producer” under disaster assistance rules. This means growers who earn part of their income through off‑farm, ag-related work like planting or harvesting services are now eligible for recovery grants, low‑interest loans, and freight subsidies - support that was previously out of reach.
This change is particularly timely, it’s being applied retrospectively to this past summer’s floods. If you were impacted but told you weren’t eligible, reach out to QRIDA (1800 623 946) to check your options.
It’s a real example of advocacy in action -helping us modernise disaster support so no grower slips through the cracks. A short-term win, but one that’ll make a long-term difference.
Pictured: NFF CEO Troy Williams, Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett, NFF Chair David Jochinke,
CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan and Membership Engagement and Innovation Manager Matt Kealley
Fresh Faces, Strong Leadership
Shortly after last month’s update, the CANEGROWERS all-grower Policy Council met in Brisbane and elected our new state Board from amongst their ranks.
Burdekin’s Owen Menkens was re elected as Chairman, joined by Joe Marano (Senior Vice Chair) and Herbert River first-timer Steven Marbelli (Vice Chair). They’re backed by familiar faces like Joseph Borg (Mackay), Kevin Borg (Plane Creek) and Michelle Fischer (Rocky Point), plus a few fresh voices - Glenn Betteridge (Burdekin) and Claude Santucci (Tableland).
It’s a great mix of experience and new energy—and a reminder that our organisation is truly grower-led. These elected reps will now set up committees to tackle key industry priorities—from mill performance to sustainability and profitability.
This isn’t just paperwork—it's real decision-making power in the hands of growers. We’ve got challenges ahead, but with this team at the helm, we’re in strong shape to shape a sustainable, prosperous future for Queensland cane. More here
Listen Now! New Podcast Episode
If you’re after something to listen to while working around the farm, why not check out Part 2 of our Unpacking the Mill Performance Puzzle podcast?
Part 1 looked at the challenges facing Mackay Sugar - now, in Part 2, we hear from the team at MSF Sugar, one of the most efficient millers in the country, even after four seasons of record wet weather.
They share how they’ve maintained 93–97% mechanical efficiency despite major cane supply shortages, labour pressures and ongoing weather disruptions. There’s also insight into how they’re investing in infrastructure, skilling up new workers, and branching into electricity generation.
Give it a listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or simply click here
MIS Podcast
The latest Sugar Market Update is out now, featuring Lindsay Perry and Matt Kearley on the growing value of sustainable sugar.
• Volatile sugar prices
• Forward prices stronger for 2026–28
• Smartcane BMP opens access to premium markets
• Coca-Cola and others recognise BMP certification
• With BMP turning 10 and 95% grower retention, sustainability is paying off
👉 Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or click here