Files
Abstract
International competition and ageing canegrowers are two of the factors forcing the
Australian sugar industry to plan its transition into the future. To be successful,
industry plans must be consistent with the situation and objectives of canegrowing
farm-households. A survey of Maryborough cane farmers aimed at identifying (a)
farming resources, practices and outcomes; (b) household demographics, income
sources and objectives. Statistical analysis is tailored to the partly qualitative data.
Initial results show income-diversified households and age-related segmentation of
farming. Findings will be used in developing regional policies in Maryborough that link
the need for maintaining regional cane throughput with canegrowers’ objectives.