RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE AUSTRALIAN SUGAR INDUSTRY: DEVELOPMENTS SINCE 1995

Since 1995 (the last time the author addressed the SASTA Congress), the Australian sugar industry has been through significant change. This paper discusses some of those changes and provides a perspective on the responses to those changes. The industry has been through both good and bad times in this period. Production, price and profitability have been through the familiar cycle of highs and lows. The industry has recognised that the key driver for continued prosperity is the capacity to deliver a reliable and increasing cane supply and reducing input costs. R&D has a significant role to play in achieving this goal. The R&D environment has also experienced significant change. BSES and CPPBs have both had compulsory levies replaced by voluntary fees. BSES is moving toward becoming an industryowned entity rather than a Statutory Authority. During this period, enhanced collaboration has been established within Australia and internationally. The impact of R&D has continued to be evaluated by both economic analysis and analysis of benefit from delivery to industry. R&D investment does offer considerable economic benefits and is a worthwhile investment in both economically favourable and unfavourable times, and should not simply be regarded as a cost affecting the bottom line.