Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables is disappointed to see the Australian Sugar Milling Council lash out at farmers for their fair criticism of the performance of mills this crush season. 

ASMC CEO Ash Salardini accused cane farmers of taking “pot shots” at mill workers and alleged they were “seemingly blaming the mills for not controlling the weather”. 

Mr Salardini further said he was “frankly dismayed” at commentary from grower collective groups as he claimed a senior Canegrowers representative had suggested mill breakdowns had cost farmers billions.

QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said it was ridiculous for the AMSC to claim cane farmers were blaming mills for rain-induced delays. 

“ASMC has conveniently glossed over what is at the core of farmers’ concerns, that is the year-after-year poor performances of the mills combined with delayed starts to the season and belligerently extended industrial activity,” Mr Ryan said. 

“These factors combined, which are in the miller’s control and not Mother Nature’s or the growers, have significantly contributed to standover crops and a big hit to farmers’ incomes.

“ASMC is using mill workers as a pawn to try and draw a wedge between them and the farmers.”

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CAPTION:
QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan says it is the refusal of some milling to properly address chronic problems that is ‘bringing the industry down’ not farmers who are voicing their legitimate and fair concerns.