IT seems canegrowers are not going to be any better off once reef regulations come into place, but some growers might be able to manipulate the legislation to their needs.
Mossman Mill has applied a different strategy in the wake of the Government’s blitz on nutrient and chemical run-off.
A joint project between Mossman Mill and Terrain NRM saw a trial take place last month in the Mossman district with a global venture, Better Sugarcane Initiative (BSI), to see how cane could be grown “ecologically”.
Terrain NRM’s Dr Karen Vella said ecologically grown cane would then be sold to major sugar-consuming giants like Coca-Cola, Bacardi, Cadbury, and Tate & Lyle, who are supporters of BSI.
“BSI is not about introducing more laws because we already have high standards in Australia,” Dr Vella said.
“Come September 2010, Mossman Mill may be one of the first mills selling eco-accredited sugar.”
Mossman Mill CEO Alan Johnson did not comment on the trial or future direction of the mill.
Two growers, Donald Murday and Gerard Puglisi, were the guinea pigs of BSI’s trial at Mossman last month.
Both growers said Australian sugar producers already comply with 95 percent of BSI’s regulations.
BSI regulations do not stop at borders as compliance with the initiative is transparent globally. That in itself is considered a blessing and deterrent by Australian canegrowers.
Australian sugar grown under BSI’s ecological conditions would save companies who may go ultra-green in the future from buying outside Australia, and vice-versa.
Where the initiative’s approach becomes more difficult to follow is the regulation of BSI accredited cane fields in the third world.
First of all, BSI criteria demands proper work payments and compliance with all government laws.
Second of all, BSI would have to spend a large amount of time auditing mill systems and policing mills to make sure all rules are being followed.
Thirdly and on a positive note, BSI for an Australian grower is a way of combating the Bligh Government’s perceived oppression of the growers.
The cane would be grown with less nutrients and chemicals, and would also serve as an innovative example in an industry receiving attention for many of the wrong reasons, such as the supposed destruction of the Great Barrier Reef.
One opponent of BSI, Canegrowers CEO Ian Ballantyne, said he remains dubious about the initiative’s focus.
“Why would canegrowers want to, on their own accord, implement more regulations to grow sugar?” Mr Ballantyne asked.
“I see it as a direct potential as a non-tariff barrier.
“Any sugar is in demand and it is a preferred product.”
Mr Ballantyne also said BSI is a faceless group headquartered in London.
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