Local farmers are set to benefit from $4.47 million in funding which supports the continuation of best management practices (BMP) that promote initiatives that will not only help the environment but also increase the bottom line for many in the industry.
Over the four years, CANEGROWERS across the country have been embracing Smartcane BMP with more than 40 per cent of growers adopting the scheme to become officially accredited and operating at best practice.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said that there are likely more farmers adopting these practices than are signed up for the scheme.
“While 40 per cent might be the official number, when you take into account the number of growers who are implementing best practices on their farms but have not sought accreditation, the actual figure would be much higher,” he said.
“The Smartcane BMP program is 100 per cent voluntary and I encourage growers to seek accreditation.
“While we in the industry know we are operating at the highest of environmental standards, accreditation provides a validation that opens the doors to policy and market-based recognition.”
So far, more than 500 growers have used Smartcane BMP to document changes to their farming practices.
These changes have addressed disease management, weed control, nutrient management, soil health, tillage, fallow cropping, and/or irrigation scheduling.
The funding is part of a broader $20.75 million government funding allocated for the next three years to help farmers reduce harmful run-off, improve productivity and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The multi-million-dollar injection into the agricultural industry will enable the continuation of the Grazing Resilience and Sustainable Solutions (GRASS) program and the Smartcane BMP.
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Meaghan Scanlon, made the announcement earlier this week and said that farmers continue to play a critical role in helping to protect our Great Barrier Reef.
“Both programs are aimed at helping our agriculture industry improve land condition, enhance production and, ultimately, reduce pollutants in reef catchments,” she said.
“This funding forms part of our five-year $270.1 million Queensland Reef Water Quality Program to address water pollution, taking our total spend on water quality since 2015 to over $1 billion.”
Over 500 cane farmers now operate under best management practices
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