Ready for code review

A REVIEW into the Sugar Code of Conduct has been welcomed by Canegrowers.

The peak sugar cane farmers’ body has announced it was “well prepared to make a submission” to the review conducted by the Department of Agriculture”.

“The code is up for review and this was always the case,” Mulgrave Canegrowers chairman Stephen Calcagno said.

“We welcome the review as an organisation; everyone has a point of view.”

He said the review would help fine tune processes for the benefit of stakeholders.

“Not everyone is perfect the first time out – it is good that everyone can have a look at it so we can refine it to everyone’s advantage,” Mr Calcagno said.

The code was introduced in 2017 to regulate the conduct of growers, mill owners and marketers in relation to contracts or agreements for the supply of cane or the on-supply of sugar.

The code also seeks to ensure that supply contracts between growers and mill owners guarantee a grower’s choice of the marketing entity for the sale of sugar.

The review will examine the code in accordance with its terms of reference and provide advice to government before the end of the year.

The Australian Sugar Milling Council has opposed the regulations.

The council said the industry is over-regulated and already operated under enough agreements and negotiation processes.

Submissions to the review close Wednesday, August 22.

Submissions to the Code of Conduct Review can me made at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugarcode-of-conduct-review