Sugar cane growers in the Clarence, Richmond and Tweed valleys will set fire to their first paddocks with a sense of optimism when the season ignites on June 8.
The estimate for the overall crop tonnage is still uncertain following a very wet but warm growing season that including some flooding.
The feeling amongst growers is buoyant, with the prospect of their cane price for the season being as high as $37 to $38 per tonne of sugar cane, depending on sugar content.
Chairman and cane grower, Mr Jim Sneesby said: "The news of a significant lift in cane price, is definitely instilling a positive feeling within the local sugar industry."
Almost 100 per cent of the planned sugar make is locked into a sales program, with customer orders in place Australia-wide.
Sunshine Sugar's CEO, Mr Chris Connors recently spoke with cane growers not only in regard to price, but also about commercial developments including botanical water and a gourmet mushroom product - both of which will make use of assets within the cane stalk to produce alternate products and new income streams.
"This is an exciting time for our local sugar industry," said Mr Connors. "Agriculture is seeing a surge in interest and the NSW sugar industry can demonstrate a proven track record in being sustainable."
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