Third voice ‘not needed’
A THIRD representative voice for canegrowers has been labelled unnecessary as Agforce begins discussions to represent the industry.
This comes as Burdekinbased Invicta Combined Growers Organisation asked Agforce to consider representing canegrowers in the future.
Canegrowers Queensland Chairman Paul Schembri said he was “deeply concerned and not supportive” of the organisation’s decision to hold member consultation about its proposal.
Agforce announced on Wednesday it was investigating the feasibility of adding sugar cane as its fourth commodity.
Agforce general president Georgie Somerset said it was responding to a request from the Invicta Combined Growers Organisation in the Burdekin.
“Although we were genuinely surprised and humbled by Invicta’s request, we can see the value it might offer to our members, and potentially to agriculture,” she said.
“So, we are asking for the views of our members, and Invicta are doing the same with theirs.
“This is a major topic for both organisations – and for industry generally – and we anticipate the full spectrum of issues and opinions to be raised.”
Ms Somerset said the cane industry’s peak body, Canegrowers, would be included in the conversation.
“Agforce has already been in touch with sugar industry stakeholders to explain our response to the ICGO proposal and our intention to include them in the process,” she said.
“What we already know is that our respective commodities share similar challenges and opportunities.
“We hope this issue will bring the agriculture industry closer together.”
But Mr Schembri said the establishing a third voice on cane-growing issues at the state and national levels was “further dividing” the Queensland agriculture industry.
“Growers and farmers working together are always more effective,” he said.
“Sugarcane growers have found great advantage in working within their industry in a way that puts their commodity front and centre on issues specific to their industry and, where it sits with Canegrowers objectives, we work with other organisations to achieve a common goal.
“Growers are, of course, entitled to make their own choice about which organisation to join and which one represents their industry and issues best. A choice already exists for growers in the Burdekin region with four existing local grower representative groups.”