Sugar

On 24 March 2026, Australia and the European Union agreed the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Albanese's optimistic announcement is at odds with the widespread criticism and disappointment evident in the responses from the Victorian Farmers' Federation, Canegrowers, the National Farmers' Federation, Queensland Farmers' Federation and the Australian Lot Feeder's Association

Energy Estate and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables have formalised a strategic affiliation to advance the BioNQ Project in North Queensland, positioning sugarcane as a critical solution to Australia’s fuel security challenge while delivering long-term regional economic benefits. ARR.News asked a few further questions of Simon Currie, Energy Estate's Chief Project Officer.

The last remaining tugboat that was used on the Clarence River for the sugar industry, the MV Beardmore is being considered for heritage listing, and the community have an opportunity to have their say. Built by JG Pashley and Sons in 1914 at the Harwood Mill, the 18.8 metre long and 3.4 metre wide MV Beardmore was made from local hardwood.

One hundred years ago this week, sugarcane growers from across Queensland met in Mackay to take a defining step that would change their industry forever. CANEGROWERS was born. At the time, sugar was one of Queensland’s most important industries, so central to the state’s economy that it featured on the Queensland coat of arms.  

The final truckload of Mossman sugarcane has been delivered to Mulgrave Mill, closing a defining chapter in the region’s history and leaving an uncertain future for local growers. CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the moment was deeply disappointing for the Mossman community, which has been shaped by sugarcane farming for generations.

Confidence in Australia’s farming sector has lifted, as the nation’s farmers hang their hopes on continuing strong commodity prices – particularly in livestock sectors – and better seasonal conditions in a number of regions, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has found.

Sentiment in Australia’s agricultural sector has softened over the winter months, as the nation’s farmers contend with higher input costs and mixed seasonal conditions, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has found. The survey, released today, found net farm sector confidence has eased to a neutral reading of zero (down from five per cent in the previous survey).

Ninety years ago this month, Australia embarked on an ambitious but ultimately ill-fated experiment in biological control. In 1935, Queensland sugar cane farmers faced a relentless enemy—the cane beetle ...

The hottest place in the Clarence Valley on Saturday will be Maclean as the community comes together to celebrate the reignited Cane Harvest Festival. Harking back to yesteryear, the streets of Maclean will come alive on April 12 with activities, exhibitions, music, and people for the first time in more than 25 years.

Steve Posselt lives on a property at Swan Bay. He describes the impact of the latest flooding on farmland ... Thearles Drain had gone from black to green and now back to black ... This dead cane is the area to the left of the drain ...

CANEGROWERS has today launched the 2024 Sugarcane Transport Load Restraint Guide, an essential tool created in partnership with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).  This industry-specific guide aims to enhance road transport safety and streamline compliance for sugarcane growers and transport operators.

A smart irrigation system powered by artificial intelligence will tell sugarcane farmers when and where to water their crops in an advance that could one day revolutionise agriculture – and help preserve the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Situated on Harwood Island, overlooking prime agricultural land and the majestic Clarence River, is one of the oldest continuously operating sugar mills in the country. The Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery has been crushing cane since 1874, and is one of three facilities in the state owned and managed by Sunshine Sugar … In 2024, the Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery is proud to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

Investigations are continuing following the tragic passing of a 67-year-old man in the Clarence Valley last week. Shortly after 10am on Thursday, July 25, emergency services were called to the riverside village of Lawrence, around 25km north of Grafton, following reports a semi-trailer transporting sugarcane was submerged in the Clarence River.

Did you know that the amount of sugarcane Brazil processes in a fortnight equates to Australia’s total production in a season? It gives a perspective on the sugarcane industry in NSW ... Sunshine Sugar staff held a session for potential new cane growers at Greenridge Hall ... “It’s a good resilient crop" ...

The sight of cane harvesters firing up in paddocks across Queensland’s most northernly district has come as a huge relief to Mossman growers, with a one-year commercial deal between growers and MSF Sugar enabling the 2024 cane crush to finally get underway.  After months of sensitive negotiations with the State Government, trucks have begun hauling Mossman cane 100km down the Captain Cook Highway to MSF’s Mulgrave Mill at Gordonvale.   

The race is on to get Mossman’s cane crush underway, following confirmation the State Government would chip in up to $6 million towards the cost of transporting the cane 100kms south to MSF’s Mulgrave Mill ... the local Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce, MSF Sugar and the Queensland Government, Premier Steven Miles announced the government would cover nearly half of the  transport costs.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to take water from food production in the Murray Darling Basin Plan in exchange for a $300 million sugar hit is yet another slap in the face for regional communities. VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the funding package announced by Water Minister Tanya Plibersek will go nowhere close to what will be required to support communities targeted for water buybacks.

Simon Mumford, lismoreapp.com.au. Today, the stacks that tower over the Sunshine Sugar Mill billow steam, but over two years ago the future of the historic mill on the banks of the Richmond River was uncertain after the 143 year old mill experienced its highest ever flood level. Broadwater’s iconic Sunshine Sugar Mill was one of six significant large businesses that received government funding...

The time for talking is over! Immediate, large-scale, effective action is what’s required if we’re to have any hope of halting the march of Red Imported Fire Ants, CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens has said.

Thousands of Queenslanders have come out in support of the small far north community of Mossman, calling on the State Government to keep the local sugar mill operating to help underpin investment in the community ... The single biggest employer in the region, Mossman Mill went into liquidation last month, casting a pall over the local sugar industry and the community it has supported for over a century ... the e-petition closes on Sunday ...

Rising prices for a range of rural commodities including cattle, cotton and dairy have seen the NAB Rural Commodities Index* increase for the fourth month in a row. NAB’s March Rural Commodities Wrap ... reports the Index increased 2.2 per cent month-on-month in February and is back up around levels last seen in April 2023.