
We have increased adoption.
THE TARGET | SMARTCANE BMP ACCREDITATION:
The Reef 2050 plan outlines an ambitious reduction in nitrogen and sediment run-off into the Reef. By completing the Smartcane Best Management Practice Program (BMP), cane growers are able to demonstrate their farm management is sustainable and environmentally sound.
Accreditation in BMP is good for growers and it’s good for the Great Barrier Reef.
Since Cane Changer commenced in 2016, we have seen accreditation rates in BMP increase across the Wet Tropics region by 316%. This rate of change is significantly greater than other regions where Cane Changer is not yet active.
The Wet Tropics are well on their way to helping achieve those targets and are leading the process of BMP adoption. Our continued commitment to the Queensland sugarcane industry is to help achieve these targets.
303
▸ New Benchmarked Growers
177
▸ New Accredited Growers


2
▸ Ministers Committed
246+
▸ Growers Committed
1600+
▸ Sustainable Practices Reported
32,000+
▸ Hectares of land under cane

We have delivered.

10
▸ Behaviour Change Tools
5
▸ Behaviour Change strategies
6
▸ Target Districts
263+
▸ Workshops + Activities
133+
▸ Presentations
11+
▸ Industry partners
18
▸ Months Since Launch

We have Engaged.
815 + Hours
OF GROWER CONTACT

69 +
FIELD TRIPS

218 + Days
SPENT IN THE FIELD

57 +
FARM VISITS
200 +
POSITIVE STORIES TOLD
Print | Radio | Social
We have Evidence.
Applying behavioural science to the Queensland sugar cane industry and its relationship to the Great Barrier Reef
JA Pickering, J Hong, D Hong & M Kealley
The decline of the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has motivated efforts to modify the farming practices of landholders connected to the Reef—especially cane growers. Despite knowledge of the importance of human behaviour in protecting the GBR, a focus on the science of how to change human behaviour has not featured prominently in discussions about water quality. This paper outlines the empirical basis for an evidence-based behaviour change program targeting Queensland’s population of sugar cane growers. The paper reviews the evidence of behaviour change in the context of the sugar cane industry and outlines the key considerations in designing a program of change at scale. It is concluded that a population-level approach to behavioural change is a potentially pivotal means for accelerating the adoption of new farming practices across the sugar cane industry.
Using psychology to understand practice change among sugar growers
JA Pickering, J Hong, R Stower, D Hong & M Kealley
Nitrogen and pesticide runoff from sugarcane farms have been identified as important modifiable factors to improve water quality of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The long-term protection of the GBR is therefore linked to the behaviours of sugarcane growers across Queensland. The current study surveyed the attitudes and practices of 48 cane growers in Queensland, focusing on psychological characteristics associated with adoption of farming best management practices (BMP) and innovation. Intrinsic motivation, social identity, self-efficacy, recognition and information value were all found to be associated with BMP accreditation and innovation. These findings highlight the potential importance of behavioural science in the design and implementation of projects aimed at improving farming practices. Future interventions should focus on aligning themselves with growers’ internal values, improving growers’ knowledge about projects, and increasing social connections. Doing so may increase cane grower’s willingness and ability to adopt new farming practices, which could in turn lead to improved water quality.
the project: mentioned
From the Behavioural Scientist to the World Economic Forum, the efforts of Queensland sugarcane farmers in protecting the Great Barrier Reef is being recognised across the globe.
