Increasing Adoption
The Reef 2050 plan outlines an ambitious target to reduce nitrogen and sediment run-off into the Reef. By completing the Smartcane Best Management Practice Program (BMP), cane growers are able to demonstrate their farm management is sustainable and environmentally sound.
Smartcane BMP can also boost farmers’ productivity and profitability by reducing their labour and input costs.
Accreditation in BMP is good for growers and it’s good for the Great Barrier Reef.
Since Cane Changer commenced in 2016, we have seen accreditation rates in BMP increase across the Wet Tropics region by 509%. This rate of change is attributable to a range of projects and industry activities throughout the Wet Tropics, but is significantly greater than other regions where Cane Changer is not yet active.
The Wet Tropics are well on their way to helping achieve the Reef 2050 targets and are leading the process of BMP adoption. Our continued commitment to the Queensland sugarcane industry is to help achieve these targets and secure a more profitable and sustainable industry.
In April 2019, Cane Changer was expanded into the Burdekin, Mackay-Whitsunday and Southern sugarcane growing regions of Queensland. We are currently working with key stakeholders to design and tailor the project for their region in preparation for future roll-out of the project.
294
▸ New Benchmarked Growers
These are growers who have signed up to participate in BMP during the Cane Changer project timeline.
285
▸ New Accredited Growers
These growers have become fully accredited in Smartcane BMP, which ensures grower productivity and provides evidence that growers are farming in way that promotes better water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef.
84%
▸ Cane Area Benchmarked
When Cane Changer commenced in 2016, half of Wet Tropics cane area was benchmarked under Smartcane BMP. Wet Tropics growers now have 84% of their cane area benchmarked in the program.
48%
▸ Cane Area Accredited
Almost half of Wet Tropics cane area is now accredited under Smartcane BMP. Since Cane Changer commenced in the Wet Tropics in 2016, an additional 36% of cane area has become accredited.
We have Engaged.
1,000 +
STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED
100
FIELD TRIPS
312 Days
SPENT IN THE FIELD
100 +
FARM VISITS
360 +
POSITIVE STORIES TOLD
Print | Radio | Social Media
2
▸ Ministers Committed
In July 2017, Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles joined more than 100 cane growers who pledged to protect the Great Barrier Reef by signing up to a Palaszczuk Government program that improves the long-term sustainability of farms and the environment. Read more here.
Queensland’s former Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch also signed her commitment in January 2018, when she met with farmers in Innisfail to see firsthand the industry-led innovations helping to protect the reef while strengthening the state’s agricultural industry. Read more here.
2800+
▸ Sustainable Practices Reported
285
▸ Growers Committed
32,000+
▸ Hectares of land under cane
By signing their own commitment, growers have set the record straight about their industry. Growers who have signed a Cane Changer Commitment report all of their past efforts to farm sustainably, and sign to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to change.
We have delivered.
10
▸ Behaviour Change Tools
Cane Changer strategies are the materialisation of ideas from the industry and by the industry. Every initiative is designed and implemented in partnership with local partners.
4
▸ Behaviour Change strategies
9
▸ Target Districts
The Project was active across 9 cane growing districts in the state of Queensland: Mossman, Tablelands, Cairns, Innisfail, Tully, Herbert River, Burdekin, Proserpine & Mackay.
450+
Workshops + Activities
15+
Industry partners
Our industry partners are key to our design and implementation process. To find out more about our partners, click on the button below.
