The 2019 Project Catalyst Annual Forum was attended by more than 185 guests in Cairns NQ.
The theme “Back to our roots – soil, water and the reef” attracted keynote speakers, Adam Jalaludin and Nicole Robinson, who shared their research into Herbicide Resistance and Soil Health, with resounding success. Organic farmer Stuart Larsson also informed and entertained as the dinner speaker.
What started as a partnership between 19 sugarcane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday regions, their local NRM Reef Catchments, WWF and Coca-Cola South Pacific, has resulted in more than a decade of innovative farming practices to reduce nutrient runoff to the Great Barrier Reef. More than 130 growers of cane have since joined the program and actively participated in trials, forums, shed talks, and other events, to be inspired and adopt practice changes on farm.
In 2020 the forum returns to its birthplace in Mackay Whitsundays and will celebrate their achievements and the positive work being done by sugar cane growers to improve the environment and their communities.