Production

NQ sugar mill exporting molasses urged to look after local farmers first

Beef Central, 21/04/2020

Queensland Senator Susan McDonald and Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch have accused Thai-owned MSF Sugar in North Queensland of “failing famers” after it will send most of the molasses it produces this year to Thailand.

The owner of South Johnstone Mill, 10km south of Innisfail, which also makes molasses from cane supplied to the Mulgrave (Gordonvale) and Arriga (Mareeba) mills, has notified domestic customers they will not be able to buy molasses produced in the 2020 crushing season.

Farmers who supply cane to these mills will be able to buy molasses, but no one else.

“This is a blow to the northern beef and dairy industries that rely on molasses to supplement feed for stock every year,” the LNP figures said in a joint statement to media this afternoon.

Senator McDonald and Mr Entsch said they have sought advice from Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, asking them to amend Foreign Investment laws to ensure future foreign acquisitions include a requirement to prioritise Australian needs ahead of exports, particularly in pandemic and emergency situations.

Susan McDonald

“I believe in foreign capital and investment but part of FIRB approval must be that Australian businesses come first and agreements, including customary agreements, with Australian farmers must be honoured first,” said Senator McDonald.

“Foreign investment is important in agriculture, but we can’t forget it’s got to be in our national interest. We shouldn’t apologise for that, other nations don’t.

“While there is no law against MSF exporting all its molasses, it certainly contradicts Australian values.

“Many Australians are already suspicious of foreign acquisitions and this is the reason why.

“I ask MSF to rethink its position and ensure Australian demand for molasses is met before they export.

“Anything less is unacceptable and terrible PR.

“As grass dries out and loses its nutritional value, graziers and dairy farmers rely on molasses-based licks and feeds to keep stock healthy and able to service markets.

“If farmers don’t get molasses this year, it will push many of them to the wall.

“This is a make or break situation for them, particularly for those in the northern dairying regions.”

“MSF’s actions are dishonourable and they need to fix this now.”

Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said MSF’s decision beggars belief and indicated the company had “no interest in supporting Australia’s agriculture sector”.

He said he would also speak with Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud regarding a possible export ban.

“MSF’s decision will have devastating consequences and has been made with zero consideration for the wide-ranging ramifications it will have,” Mr Entsch said.

“Ongoing molasses supply is critical to the dairy industry and more broadly is used as a binding agent for feed stocks and supply chains across the pastoral sector.

“This is just another example of a foreign-owned company giving the middle finger to Australia.”

Beef Central has sought comment from MSF Sugar.

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Butler, 22/04/2020

    Go to Thailand and try to buy a shack as a non national. Won’t happen, they must think we are a stupid weak country. We allow anyone with a fist full of dollars to buy up whatever they like in this country, regardless of fact that it will hurt our industries. Politicians are a bloody joke. Ask them nicely to look after our farmers is shutting the damn gate once the horse has bolted. Why wasn’t that stipulated BEFORE the sale? Shame on the politicians. Shame on you taking tax payers money and screwing them over at the same time.
    Liz Butler

  2. Jennifer Miller, 22/04/2020

    No matter who owns the company or what it produces Australia’s need comes first then whatever is left can be exported especially food items also no water should be sold until Australians have what they need at all times…

  3. Lesley Colston, 22/04/2020

    WE use molasses on all our properties and the same thing Happens yearly when we ever learn Buy it back at double the cost when we are desperate

  4. Helene Berry, 22/04/2020

    I would like to follow where this is going as I use molasses for stock

  5. Shane McCall, 22/04/2020

    Who sold the sugar mills in the first place , what did they expect

  6. Susan Holmes, 22/04/2020

    Iits all about the mighty dollar..Australian farmers first. If we want to eat..Stupid Politicians stand back and look at the big picture..

  7. Mike Teelow, 21/04/2020

    The same should be the case at all sugar mills. A lot of molasses is exported ahead of supplying drought stricken farmers
    and people using Molases in everyday use to finish their livestock

  8. Gina Lincoln, 21/04/2020

    Foreign ownership, such a disgrace with so many feedlots and producers on their doorstep.

  9. Steve Flett, 21/04/2020

    Totally agree with concerns around foreign ownership.
    What a disgrace not being able to look after our own innovative & hard working producers. As if they haven’t been through enough hardship in the last few years.

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