ACFA Australian Cane Farmers Association : Far North Queensland forums to discuss future cane research

With the 2016 cane harvest behind them, North Queensland's sugar industry is coming together later this month to discuss the future direction of sugar research.

Growers, millers and industry stakeholders are invited to attend regional forums to have their say on the future strategic direction of Sugar Research Australia (SRA).

SRA is in the process of developing a new five-year strategic plan, which will guide the future direction of SRA's investment in research, development and adoption activities for the Australian sugarcane industry.

SRA chief executive officer Neil Fisher said as part of that strategic plan development, SRA was consulting extensively with investors and the broader industry.

'Our purpose of these forums is to allow SRA to understand your thoughts on key research issues and potential opportunities facing you in your region for further investment in research, development and adoption in the future,' Mr Fisher said.

'The upcoming consultation sessions are a chance to talk about research opportunities and the future strategic direction of SRA.'

Forums will be held Gordonvale, January 30, 8.30am to 10.30am, at the Mulgrave Rambler, and in Tully, January 31, 8.30am to 10.30am, at the Tully Mill Rec Hall.

Sugarcane grower and SRA delegate Michael Deguara encouraged industry to take part in the regional forums.

'This is a chance for growers and millers to have a say on their priorities for SRA, to ensure that SRA understands how the industry can improve productivity at a national level, and a regional level,' Mr Deguara said.

SRA is the Industry Owned Company responsible for investing in, undertaking, and managing a portfolio of research, development and adoption projects that drive productivity, profitability and sustainability for the Australian sugarcane industry.