Burdekin growers prepare for presidential visit

A grain and livestock farmer from Victoria, Mr Jochinke will get to the enjoy some beautiful Queensland sunshine while visiting farms throughout the Burdekin region today, where he'll catch up with local CANEGROWERS members.

The NFF president, who is in town for the CANEGROWERS Burdekin AGM, will learn firsthand of the challenges and opportunities facing Queensland’s sugarcane industry.

“It will be great to have David here and get him out on farm so he can hear directly from growers about the work they are doing and their hopes and plans for the future,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.

“As a founding member of the National Farmers’ Federation, CANEGROWERS has very strong ties with the organisation, and we work extremely closely with the NFF on national issues that impact our members and agriculture more widely.”

Following visits to several farms in the region, Mr Jochinke will head back to the CANEGROWERS Burdekin office to meet staff and directors before addressing the AGM.

Mr Jochinke said given sugarcane was Queensland’s second largest agricultural export, he was keen to get firsthand insights into what makes the industry tick.

“There is a deluge of bad policy ideas being thrown at farmers from decision makers in Canberra. It’s why I launched the unprecedented campaign, Keep Farmers Farming on my first day in the job as NFF President," Mr Jochinke said.

"I am looking forward to hearing directly from cane growers what issues are keeping them up at night and where they see their sector as we head towards our industry-wide goal to reaching $100 billion by 2030.”

On Wednesday Mr Jochinke will meet with the local Burdekin Council.