Sugar Code on agenda as ALP politicians visit Mackay cane farm CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri hosted the Federal Opposition Leader on his farm in January, taking the opportunity to talk about sustainable sugarcane growing, the Sugar Code of Conduct, export markets and future opportunities for the industry. The visit was initiated by Anthony Albanese’s office, as a stop on his ten-day tour of regional Queensland electorates ahead of the 2022 Federal Election.
“We certainly impressed upon them the important environmental credentials of our industry and the success of the Smartcane BMP program in achieving positive change on farms as well as being the proof or validation we need of sustainability in the marketplace,” Mr Schembri said.
Mr Albanese was accompanied by Queensland senators Murray Watt and Anthony Chisholm and the Labor candidate for Dawson, Shane Hamilton, while CANEGROWERS Vice Chairman Kevin Borg and Policy Council member Tony Ross rounded out the group which walked through Mr Schembri’s cane fields.
The growers highlighted the importance of multi-party support for efforts to expand market access and secure a fair trading environment for Australia’s agricultural exports, particularly through the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement ratification by the Federal Parliament which is likely to span the period of the 2022 election.
The three growers explained the cane-growing process to the politicians, including the farm practices which have secured Australia’s global reputation as an innovative and sustainable producer of high-quality sugar.
“We also talked about opportunities for value-adding and diversification and the role the industry can play in creating even more employment in regional areas,” Mr Schembri said.
“It was very useful to hear the industry’s perspective on issues such as labour shortages, regulation and the Sugar Code of Conduct"
After the visit, Mr Albanese thanked the growers for giving him a firsthand perspective of the sugarcane industry. "Your industry produces so much wealth for our country, but there’s nothing like being on farm to learn the ins and outs of what you do," he said. "I was pleased to hear growers are getting good prices for their product, but as always, there are challenges that need addressing."
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