17 October 2013
SRA Media Release

Dr Bernard Schroeder, Principal Scientist, Sugar Research Australia (SRA) was awarded the prestigious Snapper Award at last night’s Australia New Zealand Fertilizer Industry Conference gala dinner on the Sunshine Coast.

The Award recognises his efforts in soil and plant nutrition which have helped to optimise sugarcane yields and profitability while minimising nutrient surplus, off-site losses and water quality impacts on sensitive ecosystems such as the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

“A major part of the work conducted by my colleagues and me has been aimed at fine-tuning nutrient requirements for the Australian sugar industry which has not only culminated in many scientific papers, but has also been given practical expression as the Six Easy Steps program,” Dr Schroeder said.

The Six Easy Steps concept was adopted by the Queensland Government as the regulated method for determining sugar cane nutrient inputs under the Great Barrier Reef Protection legislation in late 2009.

The concept has also been incorporated into the new sugarcane best management practice program which is in the final stages of development by CANEGROWERS.

“SRA is focused on delivering world-class research to address key industry issues in particular the environmental and regulatory requirements facing growers today,” said Mr Neil Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, SRA.

“We are constantly seeking easy-to-adopt solutions that not only benefit the environment but allow growers and millers to meet regulations. In achieving that, our science helps to underpin the long-term sustainability of our industry and drive productivity and profitability.”