Cotton Australia had two opportunities to engage with the Qld Minister for Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation, Andrew Powell, in Brisbane this week.

In a one-on-one meeting, Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray was able to reinforce the importance of our myBMP program and how it needs to evolve to meet the needs of brands and consumers, including the need for traceability systems.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss reef regulations that apply to other agricultural commodities, and the assurance that myBMP gives the Queensland Government that our practices protect the reef from potential impacts from cotton production.

Cotton Australia suggested to the Minister that there would be value in the government hosting a high-level meeting between the cotton industry and the Ministers for Agriculture, Natural Resources, Water and the Environment to consider opportunities to develop agriculture in North Queensland and how this can contribute towards meeting the Qld Government’s Prosper 2050 plan for agriculture.

As a member of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Cotton Australia was able to join a small dinner with the Minister and other key QFF members, where the discussion built on the earlier conversations around the value of industry BMP programs, the growing importance of sustainability credentials, and traceability systems.

The dinner also facilitated discussions on opportunities for agritourism and the prospect of showcasing Queensland cotton during the 2032 Olympics.