Five-year plan to strengthen Aust sugar industry

Sugar Research Australia has announced a five-year strategic plan to strengthen Australia’s sugar industry. The plan focuses on more efficient plant breeding, minimising the economic impact of pests and disease, optimising farming systems and production techniques and developing economically viable alternative uses for sugar cane.

“The importance of agriculture industries planning for ongoing success can’t be overstated,” said Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce. “The work that Sugar Research Australia has done through this plan demonstrates a common-sense approach to improving on-farm production and sharing this information with farmers across the industry.

“The emphasis is on adopting and sharing: there’s no point developing cutting-edge research if it can’t be accessed by the people who do the work.

“Australia is the world’s third-largest raw sugar exporter, with up to 80% of Australian sugar exported to major markets in Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia.”

Sugar Research Australia is an industry-owned company funded by a statutory levy paid by grower and milling businesses that receives matching funds from the Australian Government.

“This is a great example of industry investing in its own future. The contribution of the Australian sugar industry to the national economy and the long-term viability of individual businesses depend on this kind of initiative,” Minister Joyce said.

The plan was launched at the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Conference. It is available online at www.sugarresearch.com.au