- Author Sugar Research Australia
- Publish date 5 July 2022
- Type Report
- Documents
- Strategic policy development
- Sugarcane
- Supply chain development
Summary
This roadmap is the result of a year-long industry-wide collaboration to define and refine the long-term future of Australia’s sugarcane industry.
The roadmap describes the Sugar Plus visions and delivers an initial framework through which the whole industry can work towards. It also highlights the important role the sugarcane industry will have in supporting the long-term economic development of Northern Australia.
Projects
Sugarcane Industry Situational Analysis: Industry consultation and roadmap development
The Australian sugarcane industry is a cornerstone of northern Australia’s economy, supporting regional communities, export markets and extensive agricultural infrastructure. Recognising both the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities emerging through the global transition to a low-carbon economy, this project brought together growers, millers, researchers and industry leaders to develop a shared vision for the sector’s future. Through extensive consultation and collaboration, the project delivered the Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication roadmap—the first industry-wide, consensus-driven strategy for the Australian sugarcane industry. The roadmap identified pathways to improve productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience and diversify beyond traditional sugar production into emerging opportunities such as biofuels, renewable energy, bioplastics and other bio-based products. By establishing a unified vision to 2040, the project positioned sugarcane as a strategic renewable feedstock capable of supporting regional development, advanced manufacturing and Australia’s growing bioeconomy. The roadmap continues to inform industry planning, investment discussions and policy development, providing a foundation for future innovation and sustainable growth across northern Australia.