Thursday, March 1, 2012

Qld: State govt won't rule out sugar monopoly reform

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Qld: State govt won't rule out sugar monopoly reform

The Queensland government has refused to rule out reforming the way the state's sugar is sold.

Currently, all Queensland-produced raw sugar -- which is 95 per cent of Australia'ssugar -- must be sold through Queensland Sugar, a statutory body controlled by farmersand millers.

The news has alarmed struggling farmers.

Canegrowers Organisation chairman JIM PEDERSEN says a deregulated system would resultin cane growers receiving lower prices for their cane.

The Queensland government is currently locked in negotiations with the federal governmentover a rescue package for the sugar industry, which has been hit by low world prices,drought and disease.

The $100 million rescue package is expected to be approved by federal cabinet this week.

AAP RTV nt/wjf/rk/rp

KEYWORD: SUGAR PRICING (BRISBANE)

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