From the Chair

By Paul Schembri, Chairman CANEGROWERS

CRITICAL TIME FOR THE CROP AND CANEGROWERS

The famous American writer Mark Twain once wrote, “Everybody complains about the weather, but nobody does anything about it”.

It's true, but as critical as weather is, there is nothing we can do about it.

While there have been some big rain events across the industry, and particularly in the southern Maryborough region where flooding has damaged crops, the much-hyped La Nina prediction of above average falls this summer is yet to be realised.

Nevertheless, most districts are reporting a promising crop for 2022. We are at a critical stage in its development.

The next four weeks will be important and I know many growers are looking for some rain.

Over the years, I've found that whenever I write about the weather, the situation changes before the magazine lands in growers' mailboxes.

I hope that is the case once again and that your crop has the conditions it needs to flourish, including a good drink but not too much.

Grower elections

The CANEGROWERS triennial election process is in full swing. Nominations closed on 25 February and we are moving into the actual voting process.

If an election is required in your region, I urge you to exercise your right as a member to vote. CANEGROWERS has always insisted that our leaders is selected from our membership by our members.

All positions, from district boards right through to the State board and CANEGROWERS Policy Council, will be filled by growers elected by their peers.

No third party or external process will elect the leadership of growers.

Reef funding

Recently, the Federal Government announced a further $1 billion to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

While I’m sure that all Australians, including cane farmers, would welcome any initiative to protect the Reef, $1 billion is a substantial investment of public funds and it’s imperative this money is used wisely.

Farmers have in the past been portrayed as causing damage to the Reef and the Queensland Government imposes an overly bureaucratic set of regulations on daily farm practices such as the use of chemicals and fertilisers.

It is doubtful that these regulations will achieve anything other than frustration and anger among farmers, a lot of paperwork, and gleaning a political dividend for the State Government. in cooperative partnerships with governments, the dividend to farmers, the community and the government is far greater than the handcuffs of regulations.

That is why we believe that the proportion of the $1 billion earmarked for on-land water quality work should go into projects which are direct partnerships with landholders as a way to reap the greatest dividend out of this investment.

I have been involved in a local project in my area (Jaynes Creek Project) involving cane farmers, industry and government agencies.

The learnings from this project have bought about significant practice changes by farmers. There is no doubt that countless other similar projects are operating across the industry.

Ultimately, government agencies will determine how the $1 billion is spent. Let’s hope that they use it wisely. As farmers, we know what type of programs will work. Let’s not squander the opportunity.