Cane · AgForce · Advancing Rural Queensland

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President:

Christopher Punzell CanePresident@agforceqld.org.au

With a background in Mackay cane farming, I returned to the family farm 15 years ago and now provide contract mechanical services to the local sugar industry.

After high school, I completed a trade certificate as a Fitter & Turner with Mackay Sugar and then spent 20 years as a Service Coordinator with SunWater.

In this role, I managed the operations and maintenance of channel water delivery systems, including the Eungella, Teemburra, Kinchant, and Peter Faust Dams within the Eton and Burdekin Irrigation Schemes.

I also contributed to Mackay Sugar as a shift fitter, supporting essential industry operations.

Michael Penna

Michael is a third-generation farmer in Australia with thirty plus years’ experience in agriculture with mixed cropping.

Michael has been involved as an industry representative on numerous agriculture boards including Ausveg and Queensland Crisping Growers.

Recently purchasing a cane farm in the Herbert district, Michael is eager to represent and support members to enhance the cane industry.

Russell Hall

I am a third generational farmer who is passionate about sustainable farming practices. I am currently growing cane but have had vast experience with other crops such as rice, cotton and soybeans.

My goal is to make government and consumers aware of the environmentally friendly products that sugar cane can produce.

This is the future moving forward for our industry.

Craig Emmerson

The Emmerson family is one of the founding families of Proserpine around 1867; originally graziers now a fourth-generation cane farmer and harvesting, planting contractor.

Craig likes rugby league, fishing and crabbing, just like many other true blue North Queenslanders.

Jason Quabba

Jason has grown up in North Queensland and is a third generation sugar cane farmer. He has worked in the accounting industry for the last 19 years and is currently self employed within his own business. Jason is passionate about the future of the agriculture industry and ensuring there is a clear path for younger generations to emerge and prosper.

Policy Director:

Sam Forzisi 0499 960 006 ForzisiS@agforceqld.org.au

Policy Priorities:

The AgForce Cane Board endorsed the following policy priorities, on the 26 February 2024.

Renewable energy markets in liquid fuels
Water management and Burdekin rising ground water
Electricity management
Reef - Quality assurance in science (in collaboration with Reef Taskforce)
AgCarE (inclusive of a ‘Farm Data Privacy’ statement)