Wilmar Agrees To Review Testing Program Amid Grower Dispute

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has announced a review of its Cane Analysis Program (CAP), following months of advocacy from Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR). The decision marks the latest development in an ongoing debate over fibre testing practices at the Victoria and Macknade mills, which had already drawn sharp reactions from grower groups.
The issue first came to light in 2023, when an independent sugarcane auditor allegedly raised concerns during a Herbert River mill tour. The auditor pointed to a clause in Wilmar’s 2017 CAP, which stipulated that fibre sampling was limited to cane from Herbert River District Cane Growers Organisation (HRDCGO) members unless a grower’s bargaining agent represented more than 11% of the district’s Cane Delivery Tonnes.
QCAR Herbert River district committee chairman Matthew Pappin called the clause “anti-competitive” and said it unfairly excluded growers outside the HRDCGO.
In amping up the pressure on Wilmar, QCAR in recent days hosted a community meeting at the Station Hotel in Ingham, attended by Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto, Hinchinbrook Shire Council mayor Raymon Jayo, deputy mayor Mary Brown, fellow councillors, and local professionals.
Mr Pappin said he was thrilled to announce that Wilmar, in the hours following the meeting, agreed to review its CAP not only in Herbert, but also for the Burdekin and Plane Creek regions.
“This is about correcting the sins of the past,” Mr. Pappin said.
“We are fighting to ensure fair treatment for all growers, uphold good governance, and guarantee every farmer has the right to make a fair living from their crop.”
In a letter to grower collectives on Friday, Wilmar wrote grower representatives and individual growers not in a collective would get to “put forward changes for consideration during the review”.
“The CAP was last updated in 2017 and consequently contains references and requirements that are no longer relevant … we will be in touch again in coming weeks to tell you more about the timing of the review and how you can be involved,” the letter stated.
It was understood the CAP was due for review in 2022.
While QCAR celebrated the announcement as a victory, Canegrowers Herbert River offered a different perspective, defending the integrity of Wilmar’s fibre testing process.
Canegrowers Herbert River Chairman Chris Bosworth said the process was outlined transparently in the Cane Supply Agreements, which Canegrowers negotiates to protect its members.
“QCAR’s rushed agreement with Wilmar shows a lack of due diligence,” Mr. Bosworth said. “Despite boasting about how quickly they secured their deal, they failed to fully scrutinise the Cane Analysis Program and fibre testing aspects.”
Mr. Bosworth maintained there was no evidence of discrepancies in fibre testing and noted that any legitimate concerns should be addressed through appropriate channels, including legal advice.
“Canegrowers brings decades of bargaining power and experience to the table, securing critical protections for members. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure no Canegrowers member is disadvantaged,” he said.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman acknowledged QCAR’s concerns and said the company would continue to engage with grower representative bodies on issues raised.

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QCAR hosted a community meeting at the Station Hotel in Ingham. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

Anthony Celotto and Carol Macqueen
Matt Pappin, Robert Carey, and David Celotto
Ian Kemp and Councillor Andrew Carr
Michael Penna and John Board
Anna Di Bella and Councillor Mary Brown
Matt Pappin, Robert Carey, and Ian Kemp

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