Business
3 December, 2025
Look at future farming
Agricultural field day to unlock new crops and cultivating ways
AN agricultural field day this weekend will give growers and the community insights into new crops and farming methods as well as other services as the cane industry shuts down.
The ‘AgFutures’ field day at the Mossman Show Grounds will provide an opportunity for community members to explore the future of farming in the Douglas Shire.
The Department of Primary Industries and Douglas Shire Council will sponsor the day on Saturday 6 December, from 9am until midday.
The day will bring together a wide range of agricultural information and services, covering field and horticulture crops, farm forestry, beef cattle production, water resources environmental markets and commercial agribusiness services.
This event will also provide an opportunity for growers to connect, learn and prepare for the future of farming in Far North Queensland.
Member for Cook David Kempton said the event was part of an ongoing commitment by the Queensland Government to the Mossman community in response to the demise of the sugar cane industry.
“After 130 years of continuous cane growing in the Mossman and Daintree area, and with the last truck load of cane leaving a couple of weeks ago, it is now important that we keep getting the message out to the community that there is support coming from council, government and other agencies that are interested in the region’s future,” he said.
Mr Kempton said the open day was intended to play a major role in assisting growers and their families in accessing essential information and resources towards the transition away from the cane industry.
Recognising the uncertainty not only that farmers faced, but for the entire region, with the closure of the mill, Mr Kempton said the open day was designed to commence further conversation about diversification in agriculture and other industries that might emerge.
“The event will also include access to financial, technical, well-being and mental health support services,” he said.
“The event will feature a keynote address delivered by a senior executive from the Department of Primary Industries, offering valuable insights into the resources and opportunities available to assist growers as they navigate transition.”
Mr Kempton said a key focus of the day would be providing practical guidance on financial assistance, succession planning and town planning provisions, with industry experts on hand to answer questions and support informed decision-making.
“There will also be information available to individual landholders to assist them to unlock existing resources,” he said.
“Our government recognises that availability of secure and affordable water is one essential key to unlocking alternate agriculture and horticulture opportunities.
“Through the Mossman Advisory Committee, which I am chairing, and the participants from the industry council and other bodies involved, we are going to help the community steer its way forward into a viable and valuable future.
“It’s an information day, but to my way of thinking, it’s the start of a longer community conversation on how the Shire will look in three, five and 10-years’ time.”
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