Published Tuesday, 27 November, 2007 at 01:00 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
New legume facility a boost for Isis soybean industry
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the opening of a new processing facility was a major leap forward for soybean production in the Wide Bay region.
Mr Mulherin today officially opened the new soybean handling and storage complex, which was initiated, developed and constructed by the Isis Central Sugar Mill and partners.
Mr Mulherin said the facility would support the continuing expansion of soybean cropping by innovative cane growers in the Wide Bay production area from Bundaberg and Isis to Maryborough.
“Declining profitability for Isis cane farms prompted the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and other organisations to contribute to the Sugar Decline Joint Venture which uses legume crops to boost cane yields, break soil pest and disease cycles and return nitrogen to the soil,” he said.
“The Isis Central Sugar Mill worked with DPI&F to conduct an economic and marketing feasibility study into the need for additional district infrastructure to help growers maximise the returns from high quality, high volume soybean crops.
“Isis Central Sugar Mill’s commitment to remain a key player and supporter of sugarcane production in the region was confirmed by its decision to build a leading grain handling, drying and storage facility.
“This facility is the culmination of collaborative and ongoing cooperation between the Isis Central Mill, Canegrowers Isis, commercial partners, DPI&F, other agencies and the Isis community.
“This spirit of cooperation means Isis sugarcane and soybean agribusinesses, farming enterprises and their communities will be able to adapt and respond to the many challenges and opportunities that primary industry sectors face now and into the future.”
Media: 3239 6530
Mr Mulherin today officially opened the new soybean handling and storage complex, which was initiated, developed and constructed by the Isis Central Sugar Mill and partners.
Mr Mulherin said the facility would support the continuing expansion of soybean cropping by innovative cane growers in the Wide Bay production area from Bundaberg and Isis to Maryborough.
“Declining profitability for Isis cane farms prompted the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries and other organisations to contribute to the Sugar Decline Joint Venture which uses legume crops to boost cane yields, break soil pest and disease cycles and return nitrogen to the soil,” he said.
“The Isis Central Sugar Mill worked with DPI&F to conduct an economic and marketing feasibility study into the need for additional district infrastructure to help growers maximise the returns from high quality, high volume soybean crops.
“Isis Central Sugar Mill’s commitment to remain a key player and supporter of sugarcane production in the region was confirmed by its decision to build a leading grain handling, drying and storage facility.
“This facility is the culmination of collaborative and ongoing cooperation between the Isis Central Mill, Canegrowers Isis, commercial partners, DPI&F, other agencies and the Isis community.
“This spirit of cooperation means Isis sugarcane and soybean agribusinesses, farming enterprises and their communities will be able to adapt and respond to the many challenges and opportunities that primary industry sectors face now and into the future.”
Media: 3239 6530