Suitable sugarcane to diversify income and add value

This project seeks to identify and develop new opportunities for diversification for sugarcane growers and millers in tropical Far North Queensland by examining options to: increase the total biomass production per unit land area by screening diverse genotypes and other crops; retain close to current sucrose production but increase the total carbon production (more fibre and molasses or cane juice); and add-value to the fibre, molasses and tops of the sugarcane plant. In addition to testing new ‘energycane’ varieties, researchers will also trial the use of sorghum as a perennial feedstock option for mills and growers. Gathered data will assist researchers to identify the ‘best bet’ diversification options and sustainable business models to inform future industry investment and planning.

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