Maximising productivity
Increasing sugarcane productivity is essential for a viable sugar industry, its communities and optimising its ability to contribute to Australia’s net zero future.
With Australia’s mills operating at between 55 and 85 per cent capacity, it is critical to achieve a consistent 36 million tonnes of cane supply per year.
The importance of cane supply
By optimising sugarcane productivity, improving extension and adoption, and evaluating horizontal expansion opportunities, we ensure a sustainable supply of a high-value agricultural product. We also secure local employment and a way of life for more than 20,000 people who rely on the sugar industry, and boost supply of by-products to produce more renewable energy and fuel.
Our multi-faceted plan to achieve a consistent cane supply includes:
- improvements in cane variety development and selection
- increasing crop area through horizontal expansion and enhanced land-use planning protections
- further amendments to Australia’s foreign investment and review framework
- land tax reform
- addressing industry skills and labour shortages.
Challenges facing the harvesting sector
One of the biggest immediate challenges facing the sugar supply chain is the lack of availability of contract harvesters. Simply put – without harvesters we cannot get the cane to the mills for processing.
An aging workforce has meant many in the sector are reaching retirement age, while business owners are opting out of renewing equipment noting the costs can now be counted in the millions. The Government could provide instant asset write-off benefits to the sector for the purchase of harvesting equipment, to stimulate the growth and retention of harvesting sector businesses in the sugar supply chain.