Queensland growers move to lock in market position for low-emissions sugar

Queensland’s sugar industry has rolled out a new on-farm greenhouse gas emissions calculator as buyers, financiers and regulators increasingly require verified emissions data from agricultural supply chains. 

Released by CANEGROWERS through the Smartcane BMP platform, the calculator allows growers to measure total greenhouse gas emissions, as well as emissions intensity, per tonne of sugar using a methodology aligned with internationally recognised standards. 

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said the tool responds directly to shifting market expectations. 

“Emissions data is now part of the conversation with buyers, mills, refiners, marketers and finance institutions,” Mr Galligan said. “This gives growers a practical way to generate credible information and remain competitive.” 

The calculator is available to all growers, whether or not they are Smartcane BMP-accredited. It forms part of Smartcane’s Module 4, which is designed to link on-farm practices with downstream sustainability and reporting requirements. 

“This is a voluntary, grower-led tool,” Mr Galligan said. “Growers decide if and how they use it, and they remain in control of their data. It’s about providing useful information, not imposing new requirements and it’s about making sure farm data stays on the farm where it can be used for decision making.” 

Mr Galligan said the tool builds on efficiency gains growers have delivered over decades. 

“Growers have been improving productivity and reducing inputs for years. This helps put data around that progress and makes it visible to markets should the grower want to share it.” 

The calculator captures Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, with reports stored securely within the Smartcane BMP platform and emissions data remaining under the control of the grower. 

While Smartcane BMP is funded by the Queensland Government, it is joint industry and government investment that has played a key role in the development of this tool, including the reinvestment of funds generated through the first shipment of Smartcane BMP-accredited sustainable sugar by QSL to UK refiner Tate & Lyle in 2023. 

“That shipment showed there is genuine market demand for sustainably produced Queensland sugar,” Mr Galligan said. “This tool strengthens the industry’s ability to meet that demand.” 

Notes to editors 

• The emissions calculator measures whole-of-farm greenhouse gas emissions and emissions intensity per tonne of sugar.
• Emissions are reported across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories, consistent with international greenhouse gas accounting frameworks.
• The tool is available to all Queensland sugarcane growers via the Smartcane BMP platform.
• Grower emissions data remains confidential and is not shared without permission.
• The calculator forms part of Smartcane BMP’s ESG Module 4, designed to support sustainable sugar supply chains.
• Smartcane BMP is delivered by CANEGROWERS with funding support from the Queensland State Government.
• Industry funding, including proceeds from the sale of Smartcane BMP-accredited sustainable sugar and grower levies contributed to the development of the calculator.