Representatives from miller Wilmar presented a draft on-supply agreement (OSA) to marketer QSL today.
The move is the latest in a long-running battle between the two entities over an OSA, which allows growers a choice on a marketing agent for their sugar, and follows state-funded mediation three weeks ago.
Wilmar executive general manager (North Queensland) John Pratt said a draft sugar sale agreement was forwarded to QSL lawyers today.
“This is consistent with the timeframe I set out in my message of 6 March and again last week,” Mr Pratt said.
“Both organisations are committed to concluding the formalities as soon as possible.
“However, we need to recognise that this is a substantial document dealing with complex commercial and legal issues.
“The mediator who assisted negotiations so successfully earlier this month, Richard Chesterman Q.C., is available to assist if necessary to expedite these final stages.
“In the meantime, we continue to work with grower representatives on collective cane supply agreements in anticipation of the QSL agreement being formalised.
“We also continue to sign growers to individual cane supply agreements.”
Grower representatives from the Herbert and Burdekin representing some 11.5 million tonnes of uncontracted potential cane supply to Wilmar's sugar mills last week vented frustration at the continued delays.
Canegrowers Herbert River manager Peter Sheedy said growers wanted to see good faith negotiations to allow them to get on with their lives.
“Wilmar's actions have inflicted untold grief on the sugar communities concerned,” Mr Sheedy said.
QSL also expressed frustration at the delays.
“While the final OSA is required before we can finalise some of our marketing choice documentation and systems, we remain well placed to deliver QSL marketing choice to Wilmar growers once the contract paperwork is completedm” the QSL spokeswoman said.