Two new opportunities have been identified for Queensland’s Mossman farmers as they transition away from sugar cane
The Queensland government is delivering $300,000 for two agronomy projects which will support the Mossman community as it transitions away from sugar cane, following the closure of the Mossman Mill in 2024.
$150,000 will be invested into establishing the viability of a soybean processing facility and intensive livestock project, led by Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative.
The Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative project will evaluate development of a soybean processing facility to supply local protein feed for Far North Queensland’s dairy, poultry, and beef industries, with value-added opportunities.
Another $150,000 has been allocated to the Far Northern Queensland Rice Industry project, led by the Tropical Agri Food Industry Network.
This project will see producer-led trials of new varieties of rice better adapted to conditions in Mossman and builds on work already completed to evaluate the agronomics, markets, processing, supply chain logistics, and feasibility of large-scale tropical rice production in Far North Queensland.
“There is a bright future for agriculture in Mossman and finding diverse options like these are key to the region’s long-term recovery and prosperity,” Queensland primary industries minister Tony Perrett says.
“For so long, the far north of our state has been equated with the sugar industry, but we now have an opportunity to diversify economically and develop concepts that can be prosperous for the community, delivering jobs and security.”
