Members Get A Strong Return On Investment

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

We regard membership levies as growers’ investment in their future, so it is important that we offer a good return on that investment. Whether that is advocacy on issues, industry representation, training and labour needs, or giving members access to some top professionals and great services.

We aim to create a strong voice for growers, and creating a forum for that enables unity and common voice among growers is one of the most important aspects of CANEGROWERS.

Members are always our core, the driving voice that propels policy. CANEGROWERS is a not-for-profit organisation that operates a democratic, grass roots federation model, that spreads up from branch membership across districts to milling areas, regions, and state boards.

Across Mackay and Plane Creek Milling areas, there are five branches, at Calen, Marian, Racecourse, Finch Hatton and Plane Creek. Each meets monthly, with a mix of social shed meetings and presentations from industry organisations and businesses, and an opportunity for growers to discuss the matters affecting them with their representatives, and with each other.

CANEGROWERS is one of only a handful of agricultural member-based organisations in Australia whose representatives are selected from the same grassroots the organisation represents – the farmers. As a result, we are closely in touch with the practical realities of modern sugarcane farming businesses and keenly aware of the issues which make or break them.

We have a very busy district office that enables members to talk to people based here in Mackay who will assist them to deal with matters around their agribusiness.

With our networks spread throughout the whole of the value chain we are able to identify and deal with issues before they grow to an irreversible situation that would take away from growers’ rights and ultimately their financial returns.

It's in that way, we have growers’ backs covered. It is member’s continued faith that gives your organisation a powerful voice to government, industry stakeholders and the wider community, and helps us to punch above our weight. We work towards building an industry that is both sustainable and profitable for growers.

Beyond offering a voice with some clout, CANEGROWERS Mackay aims to give members good support through their membership benefits, including representation on Cane Supply Agreements, legal matters relating to farming operations, support in dealing with millers and government.

We offer training services from basic chemical accreditation up to business management; sugar marketing information services; assistance with leasing and share farming industry advocacy in the community and in the labour market; industry information through magazines and social media; payroll services; insurance services; cane auditor services in mills; support with electricity, irrigation, and transport. And more. And moreover, the organisation employs staff with specialised backgrounds equipped to provide expert service.

Most recently, and excitingly, the CANEGROWERS organisation has introduced free crop insurance to $35/tonne for members, who can then negotiate to top up beyond that.

Without unity, we would never make headway. Membership is a worthwhile investment for cane growers.

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CANEGROWERS Mackay has a strong commitment to members.  Pictures: Kirili Lamb