2023-24
Overview
The 2023-24 CANEGROWERS Annual Report details a year of growth and opportunity for Queensland's sugarcane industry. While growers faced smaller crops and milling delays, many were able to capitalise on record-high global sugar prices, securing strong returns for the current and future seasons.
Sustainability remained a core focus, with an independent study commissioned by CANEGROWERS confirming a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions among Smartcane BMP-accredited growers.
The launch of the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program and the inaugural Sugar Cubed Industry Conference further drove innovation and discussions around biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels.
Strengthened industry partnerships, enhanced services, and strategic advocacy underscore CANEGROWERS’ commitment to a profitable and sustainable future for growers.
Below is a summary of highlights from the 2023-24 Annual Report. Members can download the full Annual Report and Financial Report by visiting the Members Portal.
If you have any problems logging into the members portal, please email info@canegrowers.com.au or call 07 3864 6444.
Who We Are
Who We Are
CANEGROWERS is a not-for-profit company focused on advancing the sugarcane industry and improving grower profitability. The organisation includes Queensland Cane Growers Organisation Ltd, 13 affiliated district companies, 85 elected directors, and nearly 100 professional staff.
The all-grower Board of Directors manages governance and strategy, while the all-grower Policy Council provides strategic guidance. Three grower-led Policy Committees address key industry issues and guide decisions to support growers.
What we do
What we do
CANEGROWERS drives advocacy efforts for fair regulations, improved market access, and sustainability.
The organisation offers essential support services like free crop insurance, legal assistance, and market insights.
CANEGROWERS fosters growth through initiatives like the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program, young grower development programs, Business Essentials workshops, and the Sugar Cubed Industry Conference - promoting skills development, innovation, and leadership within the sugarcane industry
Membership
Membership
CANEGROWERS represents over 70% of Queensland’s sugarcane producers, emphasising the value of a united, grower-led organisation.
Membership is voluntary and requires a financial contribution based on cane production, capped at 75,000 tonnes.
CANEGROWERS provides significant benefits through advocacy, services, and initiatives like free crop insurance, legal advice, and Business Essentials workshops. In 2023-24, new programs included the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program, CANEGROWERS 101 webinars, and the successful industry conference, Sugar Cubed.
From the Chair
From the Chair
The 2023 sugar season saw improved crush results, despite mill issues and a smaller crop. Soaring sugar prices allowed many growers to secure strong returns. CANEGROWERS highlighted our sustainability credentials, with an industry commissioned study finding that Smartcane BMP accredited growers have recorded a 30% emissions reduction recorded.
The organisation also hosted the successful Sugar Cubed Industry Conference and rolled out the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program. Advocacy efforts included opposing the EU trade deal and championing workforce and education initiatives.
CEO Report
CEO Report
The 2023-24 year saw CANEGROWERS focus on supporting growers through advocacy, service delivery, and strategic partnerships. Key achievements include defeating the national biosecurity levy, expanding sustainability efforts, and launching initiatives like the Next Ratoon Program and Sugar Cubed Conference.
CANEGROWERS strengthened collaboration with industry partners and advocated for policies on biofuels, trade, and workforce issues, while continuing to prioritise education, profitability, and innovation for the sugarcane industry’s future growth.
Vision
The industry’s influential peak body, working effectively with growers, districts and stakeholders to deliver industry prosperity
Purpose
Leading a strong, profitable and innovative sugarcane industry, supporting growers and their communities with passion, professionalism and a unifying voice
Values
- Accountability to our members
- A focus on issues relevant to our members
- Credibility, integrity and professionalism
- Open and effective communication between growers, organisation units and external publics
- Community consciousness
Goals
- Superior advocacy impact
- Outstanding service
- Highest quality, collaborative CANEGROWERS governance
- Robust partnerships across industry stakeholders
- Progressive and innovative industry evolution
2023-34
Year in Review
CANEGROWERS supports Queensland’s sugarcane growers through advocacy for trade, reduced regulation, and sustainability initiatives like the Smartcane BMP program.
The organisation provides vital member services such as legal advice, marketing information, and crop insurance.
Additionally, CANEGROWERS drives industry engagement with initiatives like the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program and the Sugar Cubed Industry Conference, promoting innovation and attracting young talent.
Below are updates on key activities in 2023-24.
Trade
Trade
CANEGROWERS works to reduce global trade barriers and improve market access for Australian sugar through government collaboration, the Global Sugar Alliance, and the ATMAC Sugar Project.
Key achievements in 2023-24 include securing duty-free access in the Australia-UK FTA by 2031 and advocating against the Australia-EU FTA due to unfavourable terms for sugar.
Industry
Industry
During 2023-24, CANEGROWERS delivered Business Essentials workshops on risk preparedness and financial management, supported disaster recovery, promoted industry diversification, advocated for grower-friendly energy tariffs, and led transport compliance education. The organisation also engaged in irrigation pricing consultations, developed workforce training, and collaborated with SRA on research funding and strategic planning.
Environment
Environment
In 2023-24, CANEGROWERS tackled a wide range of environmental and sustainability issues, including spray drift, rat outbreaks, and biosecurity, including Red Witchweed and fire ant eradication. The organisation advocated for water quality program reforms and commissioned a report that found a 30% GHG reduction on farms that had adopted better practices, and expanded Smartcane BMP with 120 new enterprises accredited.
Membership
Membership
In 2023-24, CANEGROWERS focused on member engagement through initiatives like free crop insurance, regional meetings, and the Next Ratoon Mentoring Program.
The Sugar Cubed Conference highlighted innovation and sustainability, attracting over 100 attendees. CANEGROWERS collaborated with district offices to enhance services, foster leadership, and promote industry growth.
Sustainable Sugar
Sustainable Sugar
CANEGROWERS advanced sustainable sugar production through the Smartcane BMP program, aligning with international frameworks like Bonsucro, VIVE, and ProTerra. Collaborations with American Sugar Refining Inc. and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners focused on ESG compliance, sustainable sourcing, and carbon reduction.
CANEGROWERS also explored opportunities in premium markets and traceability.
Facts & Figures
Facts & Figures
In the 2023 sugar season, Australia harvested 29.76 million tonnes of sugarcane from 341,084 hectares, spanning from far north Queensland to northern New South Wales. The average Commercial Cane Sugar (CCS) content was 13.68 units.
A global sugar deficit saw world sugar prices spike to record levels, but despite this, the number of Australian cane farming enterprises decreased.
Financial overview
Financial overview
CANEGROWERS faced a trading loss in 2023-24 following a difficult crush.
Revenue down due to a smaller crop and fewer grant projects, while costs remained steady.
The membership levy (67% of revenue) remains key to operations, supplemented by a 20% return from the investment strategy, bolstering reserves.
Water & Electricity
Water & Electricity
CANEGROWERS actively advocates for fair electricity and water pricing to reduce operational costs for growers.
The organisation collaborates with government bodies to influence tariff structures, improve irrigation efficiency, and support growers' adaptation to the evolving energy landscape, ensuring sustainable water and energy use across the industry.
Download the full
Annual Report and Financial Report
To download full copies of the 2023-24 CANEGROWERS Annual Report and Financial Report, simply log in to the CANEGROWERS Members Portal and click on MEMBER RESOURCES > CANEGROWERS Corporate Publications
If you have problems logging in to the member portal, please email info@canegrowers.com.au or call 07 3684 6444.
