Queensland growers are looking to lock in market position for low-emissions sugar.
The industry has seen the rollout of a new on-farm greenhouse gas emissions calculator, released by CANEGROWERS through the Smartcane BMP platform.
The calculator allows growers to measure total greenhouse gas emissions, as well as emissions intensity, per tonne of sugar using a methodology aligned with internationally recognised standards.
CANEGROWERS chief executive officer Dan Galligan said the tool responds directly to shifting market expectations.
“Emissions data is now part of the conversation with buyers, mills, refiners, marketers and finance institutions,” Galligan said. “This gives growers a practical way to generate credible information and remain competitive.”
The calculator is available to all growers and do not need to be Smartcane BMP-accredited.
“This is a voluntary, grower-led tool,” Galligan said. “Growers decide if and how they use it, and they remain in control of their data. It’s about providing useful information, not imposing new requirements and it’s about making sure farm data stays on the farm where it can be used for decision making.”
The calculator is part of Smartcane’s Module 4, designed to link on-farm practices with downstream sustainability and reporting requirements.
Galligan said the tool builds on efficiency gains growers have delivered over decades.
“Growers have been improving productivity and reducing inputs for years,” Galligan said. “This helps put data around that progress and makes it visible to markets should the grower want to share it.
“This tool strengthens the industry’s ability to meet increasing demand.”
Smartcane BMP is funded by the Queensland Government.