Sugar growers to discuss reforms

SUGAR research reform is expected to occupy the minds of hundreds of cane growers at an industry meeting in Maryborough this week.

Canegrowers chair Alf Cristaudo said it was vital that Maryborough cane farmers attended the meetings to keep themselves and other industry workers up to date.

The meeting will discuss the final draft of a Federal Government reform package that will decide research, development and extension investment for the next five years.

"Extension and local advisory services are vital to making R&D useful and the new system will provide opportunities for different approaches - with each area moving towards a locally specific model suited to the unique needs of their area," Mr Cristaudo said.

The Maryborough meeting, which is one of 15 being held in the Wide Bay region, will be held at the Canegrowers Maryborough office on March 27 at 2pm.

Australian Sugar Milling Council chair Quinton Hildebrand said the reform package was about strengthening sugar research and development and sharing funding between millers and growers.

"These 15 local industry meetings will focus on the why and how of the changes, and what industry participants will see," he said.

Visit srdc.gov.au for more information on the reform package.