Category: Industry Information

Miscellaneous information

QLD Rural Debt Survey Presentation

Kalagro

QLD Rural Debt Survey Presentation

Recently had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Qld Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) to local agricultural industry bodies, accountants and financial institutions in relation to the 2017 Qld Rural Debt Survey as well as their Farm Debt Services.

About QRIDA

QRIDA has been supporting Queensland’s primary producers for more than 20 years, providing opportunities to build business sustainability and profitability, recover from drought and natural disasters and pursue their business goals.

QRIDA have nine (9) Regional Area Managers located throughout Queensland who can meet with clients and stakeholders on property to discuss individual goals and situations, explain  different schemes and walk through the application process. At QRIDA, they’re excited to partner with rural industry to develop and improve regional communities.

Pertinent Points From 2017 Survey – Sugar

  • 6% of overall rural debt in Qld relates to sugar of which 80.70% is rated viable under most/all circumstances
  • 8% of sugar debt is located in Northern Coastal Qld – Mackay to Cairns
  • Sugar industry debt in Northern Coastal Qld – total debt $880m an increase of 7.64% over previous survey conducted in 2011, number of borrowers 1668 an increase of 15.75%, average $ debt per borrower $528k a decrease of 7.01%

Farm Debt Services

  1. Farm Business Debt Mediation
  • Improve efficient and equitable pathways for farmers and mortgagees
  1. Farm Debt Restructure Office
  • Create proactive communication and actions between lenders and primary producers – “financial distress”

  • Farm Management Grants
    • read more

    QLD Government Rural Economic Development Grants program

    Kalagro

    RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.

    Please find below a link to information on the Queensland Government Rural Economic Development Grants program. Rural Economic Development Grants are available to fund rural economic development projects that contribute to primary production related economic development and job creation in rural areas. The Queensland Government program offers emerging projects up to $250,000 in co-contributions to build industry and grow employment opportunities across the agricultural sector.  Primary Producers are eligible to apply for the grant.

    http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/current-programs/rural-economic-development-grants

    Australian Hemp Seed Industry

    Kalagro

    AUSTRALIAN HEMP SEED INDUSTRY

    Came across an interesting article on ABC Landline recently in relation to hemp seed that may be of interest to growers considering alternative/fallow crops given current state within the sugar industry. In November last year legislation of hemp seed as a food was passed and has resulted in Australian farmers now adding hemp to their grain cropping programs.

    Have attached a couple of links, the first is the ABC Landline video in relation to the Hemp Seed Industry.

    The second link is to the company mentioned in the video, Hemp Foods Australia whereby growers who are interested can lodge an enquiry.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-26/high-hopes:-farmers-add-hemp-to-their-grain/10166676

    https://www.hempfoods.com.au/farming-hemp-australia

    Les Elphinstone

    Manager KCGO

    SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA – ADOPTION STRATEGY PLANNING AND INVESTMENT GUIDE

    Kalagro

    SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA – ADOPTION STRATEGY PLANNING AND INVESTMENT GUIDE

    In 2017 SRA finalised an Industry Adoption Strategy which aims to support the profitable and sustainable growth of the Australian Sugar Industry through accelerated application of technologies and practices.

    Attached guide provides an outline of the key processes including formation of Regional Adoption Advisory Committee (RAAC) for which SRA are calling for growers to nominate, refer our previous post on 4th October.

    This is a chance for growers/members to have direct input into of issues of importance to the industry from a local/regional perspective.

    Les Elphinstone

    Manager KCGO

    thumbnail of Adoption Strategy Planning and Investment Guide Short 2018

    (click to view full size)

    SRA – Strategy for Industry Adoption Activities

    Kalagro

    SUGAR RESEARCH AUSTRALIA – STRATEGY FOR INDUSTRY LED ADOPTION ACTIVITIES (INDUSTRY ADOPTION STRATEGY)

    In 2017 SRA finalised an “Industry Adoption Strategy” which has since seen the appointment of Anthony Curro as Regional Coordinator for the Burdekin Region. This strategy is to be overseen by an Industry Adoption Advisory Committee (IAAC) who will be responsible for identifying priority projects for recommendation to the SRA Board. Regional Adoption Advisory Committees (RAACs) are to be established in each of the six sugar regions and will include grower/miller representation which will replace the previous role of “SRA Delegates” with committee tasked with developing regional specific adoption priorities and strategies. Grower chairman and miller vice chairman of the six RAACs will be a part of the IAAC along with SRA regional coordinator from each region.

    This is a chance for growers/members to have direct input into of issues of importance to the industry from a local/regional perspective. SRA regional coordinator, Anthony Curro is now seeking nominations from local growers from various districts within the Burdekin region who are interested in this opportunity.

    Please find attached overview of industry adoption & investment strategy process as well as grower information/selection criteria.

    Any growers interested in nominating please contact this office and your details will be passed onto Anthony Curro who will then contact growers direct.

    Nominations are to be submitted by Friday 19th October.

    Regards.

    Les Elphinstone

    Manger KCGO

    thumbnail of FlowCharts D.02

    Grower Rep Nomination below:

    thumbnail of Grower rep nomination