AGRICULTURE: Farmers’ overwhelming support for alternate sugar package
In record numbers at cane farmer meetings, growers have rejected the Queensland and Federal governments’ proposed deregulation plan and finance package for the industry. Instead, they have overwhelmingly supported an alternate eight point plan to return the once vibrant industry to profitability. Meetings headed by leading identities in the industry and by Federal independent MP, Bob Katter, have reached about half the 6,500 cane farmers in Queensland and northern NSW. So far, seven farmers’ meetings have been held, with more to come. Approximately 700 farmers attended one meeting in Ayr. About 800 attended the Ingham meeting, and another 500 in…