CEO comment

By Dan Galligan, CEO CANEGROWERS

COSTS OF NET ZERO EMISSIONS MUST NOT FALL TO GROWERS

Cane growers across the state have felt the negative consequences of being on the wrong side of the environmental debate.

No matter where you sit on the health of the Great Barrier Reef, the fact is farmers have often been held up as scapegoats and made responsible for managing risks to water quality.

This started over a decade ago for our industry and the regulatory requirements have continued to expand.

Meanwhile, requirements on other industries, such as horticulture and cattle, are only just coming into play this year.

Thankfully cane growers have not stood still. The commitment shown by over 700 producers to become certified under Smartcane BMP has delivered not only recognition from government but shielded them from compliance audits.

This work and the recognition of Australia as a sustainable sugar supply chain has shown that our industry is getting in front of this environmental debate.

Smartcane BMP and growers being proactive in adoption is delivering regulator and market-based recognition.

The industry has caught up and now we must use these efforts to lead the inevitable next round of demands.

The decision by the Australian Government to commit to achieving a net zero emissions target by 2050 and 43% by 2030 means that the broader economy is now shifting to respond.

Energy, mining, manufacturing, processing companies and financial institutions are all shifting to be able to report how they contribute either positively or negatively to the country’s pathway to these targets.

By doing this now, they may avoid a regulatory or compulsory framework that future governments impose on high emitting industries.

This is where it is important for all of us in agriculture. Farmers rely on many of these global companies for either inputs or for marketing or processing their produce.

Farmers must not wear the costs of these companies adapting to report on their contribution to environmental, social or governance (ESG) objectives.

The companies involved often gain value for such efforts and this value must be shared with farmers who, in the end, deliver the sustainability that others are so keen to dine out on.

For CANEGROWERS, the efforts of the past 10 years have positioned us to be at the forefront of this new wave of environmental demands that are driven by community and market expectations.

We must stand up and protect the profitability of farmers so they receive the recognition, value and benefits of delivering the sustainability that the world demands.

Thankfully, with Smartcane BMP and a new approach to the bioeconomy in the Sugar Plus roadmap, we have strong foundations to build upon.