Member for Burdekin and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Dale Last has called for Wilmar Group CEO Mr Kuok Khoon Hong to visit the Burdekin region to accelerate a resolution between Wilmar and cane growers in relation to sugar marketing arrangements.
“I have written to chairman and chief executive officer of the Wilmar Group Mr Kuok Khoon Hong, in Singapore, to visit the Burdekin as soon as practicable to meet with local cane growers,” Mr Last said.
“Given that the Burdekin is Australia’s most productive cane growing area, and that Wilmar owns all sugar mills in the Burdekin, it’s appropriate that Mr Kuok visits to assure growers that Wilmar is committed to offering supply contracts to farmers that are fair and reasonable.
“I have been speaking with growers and millers representatives, and it concerns me that an outcome has not been reached in relation to supply contracts, particularly when growers are now planting next year’s crop. Farmers can’t have their cane processed unless they have a supply contract with Wilmar and they’re saying that the contract on offer is unacceptable.
“It’s imperative that all parties reach an agreement that delivers genuine competition in sugar marketing to ensure ongoing security for growers and millers,” he said.
