The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Queensland say it is contacting major feedstock providers to assess their capacity to continue supplying molasses to drought-affected producers.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said there were concerns about the availability of molasses, especially with the cane crush finishing by mid-December.

“Recently I convened a meeting of AgForce and sugar milling representatives including the Australian Sugar Milling Council to get an accurate picture of the demand for and the availability of molasses,” the Minister said.

“The meeting resulted in discussions between the various industry representatives who have committed to ongoing dialogue, as the season develops, about how best to ensure molasses is domestically available to feedstock providers who are servicing the droughted areas of the state.

“All parties showed good will in the meeting, and are working together on a solution.

“Currently, just over 62 per cent of Queensland is drought declared, and molasses is an important part of the emergency feed rations being used by producers.

“I will be monitoring this issue and providing further updates as we work together to provide as much support as possible to the community while this drought continues.

“I would urge producers to continue to discuss their ongoing molasses needs with their supplier.”

Source: QDAFF