Devils Thumb cane spirit wins best in category trophy at inaugural awards
Australian Rural & Regional News | December 2022 - Link to the article
Already known for its internationally prized gin, Devils Thumb Distillery’s simultaneous focus on quality rum production founded the partnership with Far Northern Milling (Mossman Mill) and winning cane spirit.
Dependent on proximity to the raw ingredient of sugar cane juice gives Australian Cane Spirit a distinctive quality and means Far North Queensland’s Devils Thumb is uniquely placed to produce cane spirit which in other countries is known as Agricole (Martinique) or Cachaça (South America).
Devils Thumb co-founder and head distiller, Mark Norman said cane spirit is made by fermenting and distilling sugar cane juice which is then bottled and sold as unaged spirit or put into barrels for further ageing.
According to Mr Norman, Peter Dibella from Far Northern Milling has been instrumental in providing access to all the raw ingredients comprising Devils Thumb’s cane spirit.
“Far Northern Milling has been an iconic business in the Mossman region since 1894 however Devils Thumbs Distillery is the first distillery to produce rum from cane juice in the history of the mill,” Mr Norman said.
Commenting on news of the award, Mr Dibella said, “Congratulation to Mark and his team for achieving this fantastic result for Best Cane Spirit at the 2022 Australian Rum Awards.
Far Northern Milling (Mossman Mill) is proud to be associated with Devils Thumbs Distillery and to support them in any way we can.
“Seeing the natural, first expressed sugar cane juice converted to a high value product in our local region is something we can all be proud of. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Devils Thumb Distillery and look forward to seeing them develop and market more high value products,” Mr Dibella said.
According to Mr Norman, the best way to drink cane spirit is to pour 30mls of Devils Thumb Distillery cane spirit on ice, top with ginger beer with a final twist of squeezed lime.
“Cane spirit is so special and in a class all its own. I love that there will be slight differences in each batch depending on seasonal conditions, the region in which the cane is grown, and the type of cane variety.
“I initially made this product for my own consumption then quickly worked out there was a niche market for it and being able to source the ingredients so close to the distillery from a mill that has such long and rich history within the region makes it a really exceptional product to make,” he said.
From the outset, the driving and defining force of Devils Thumb Distillery and its growing range of gin, cane spirit and aged rum products lies in its inherently native Australian quality, ingredients and distinctive, Far North Queensland, sense of place.
Far Northern Milling to present vision for Daintree Bio Precinct
Newsport – February 2022 – Link to the article
Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd, owners of the Mossman Mill, will lay out their vision for the Daintree Bio Precinct at the Douglas Business Expo next month.
The sugarcane growers co-operative has joined the list of keynote speakers who will present to the business sector at the Port Douglas Community Hall on Friday 6 March.
Far Northern Milling, who took over the Mossman Mill from Mackay Sugar last year, will present an update on their works and invite questions from the floor.
The vision for the Daintree Bio Precinct is to locate a suite of environmentally sustainable bio-projects value adding the Mill’s feedstock (sugarcane, syrup, sugar, bagasse & molasses).
They also hope to create employment to underpin the sustainability of the Mossman Mill and surrounding communities.
Douglas Chamber of Commerce President Liz Ross said the inclusion of Far Northern Milling was a great coup for the Douglas Business Expo.
“Sugarcane is such an important sector for our local economy,” she said.
“We are very keen to hear about any opportunities with the Daintree Bio Precinct and look forward to finding out more about how their business will develop.”
The Douglas Business Expo is a collaborative event organised by Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Douglas Shire Council to exchange knowledge and ideas for regional business.
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu encouraged the business sector to register for the free event.
“The Douglas Business Expo will put local businesses and Chamber members in the very best position to leverage employment and economic opportunities,” she said.
Other keynote speakers at the Douglas Business Expo include:
• Maree Adshead - Queensland Small Business Champion
• Timothy Hortz - Project Manager, Department of Innovation and Tourism Industry Development
• Robert Sobrya - Construction Skills Queensland
• Ross Hodgman - District Director Far North – Transport & Main Roads
FNQ miller and growers team up to shake up local sugarcane industry
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation – December 2020 - Link to article
The $1.3 million, three-year suitable sugarcane to diversify income and add value project is focused on boosting tonnages and extracting more value from feedstock delivered to Far Northern Milling’s Mossman mill in an effort to support the long-term prosperity of local growers, the mill and the broader far north Queensland economy.
Project lead Professor Frederik Botha from the University of Queensland’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) said crop trials of commercial, near commercial and energy cane varieties have already started on the Tablelands and in Mossman. Crop trials will also include the testing of several sorghum varieties as possible supplementary biomass inputs for Mossman mill.
“Initially, we are focusing on identifying those cane and sorghum varieties which are the best biomass producers, meaning they are energy dense, with good foliage, high fibre and sugar levels. This would help alleviate the current feedstock shortfall at the Mossman mill. However, these high biomass varieties will only be useful if they have sucrose and fibre levels that will allow processing with the current milling infrastructure,” he said.
“We will then take a close look at the chemical composition of these varieties examining the whole plant from the leaves, trash and the stalks, to determine the best varieties and how these components could be further developed into commercially viable products to boost income streams for growers and millers.”
The final stage of the research will be to develop recommendations and business cases for producers and Far Northern Milling to outline how they can develop sustainable farming systems to support a new approach to sugarcane farming.
Mossman grower and trial participant Don Murday said exploring diversification options is crucial to the long-term viability of the region’s mill and sugarcane industry.
“Biomass has long been touted as a quality, renewable feedstock source for mills and a value-add for growers.
“As growers we need to invest in our future and ensure we can maximise the value of our crops.
Moving to an integrated, rotational production system which includes traditional sugarcane varieties grown alongside high energy canes or sorghum, means we could deliver new, sustainable income streams for growers and millers,” he said.
Far Northern Milling’s General Manager Peter Dibella said the CRCNA collaboration will support the cooperative’s broader vision to locate a suite of environmentally sustainable bio-projects value adding to the mill’s feedstock (syrup, sugar, bagasse, and molasses), as part of a Daintree bio-precinct.
“We need to look outside of the box if we are going to transform the sugarcane industry and provide a pathway for long-term, economic growth for this region,” Mr Dibella said.
Given the location of the Mossman production areas in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, environmental considerations are always front of mind. To this end, Professor Botha said efforts to increase biomass should not be driven by more nutrient input, or at the expense of soil health.
“Our approach is to cast the net wide and screen the diverse range of sugarcane genotypes already bred by SRA but not selected for commercial release. This project will select those varieties which can deliver in the conditions specific to the Mossman mill region and the increased biomass requirements of the mill,” he said.
SRA Executive Manager for Variety Development Dr Jason Eglinton said the project is an ideal platform to test a broad range of types of sugarcane for potential future products.
CRCNA CEO Jed Matz said the project will demonstrate the possibilities available to sugarcane growers in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.
Professor Botha said the project team will hold a grower field day and project update early in 2021.
This research is funded by the CRCNA, The University for Queensland, Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd, Sugar Research Australia and supported by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
More women driving tractors and trains for the sugarcane harvest in far north Queensland
ABC News | August 2022 – Link to article
Mill officially handed over to Far Northern Milling today
Newsport – July 2019 – Link to article
Mossman was today referred to as a ‘real frontier of innovation’ following Far Northern Milling (Far Northern Milling) announcing it had secured ownership of the Mossman Mill to transition the site into a bio- refinery that uses the latest in green chemical technology.
Following 28 months of intense and extensive discussions involving the state and federal governments, Far Northern Milling chairperson Maryann Salvetti said the acquisition has created an opportunity for growers to take control of their own destiny.
“This will ensure the continued prosperity of the wider Mossman community,” she said.
Mrs Salvetti said while there have been challenges along the way, she was always confident this would happen.
“The different levels of government believed in us (Far Northern Milling) and thanks to them and Douglas Shire Council we have made this happen,” she said.
The State Government contributed $25 million, the Federal Government $20 million and Council’s commitment was $250,000.
Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt and a driving force behind this initiative, was full of praise for Mrs Salvetti.
“She was tireless in her efforts and in the on-going discussions. She deserves a huge amount of credit for this reaching fruition,” said Mr Entsch.
The State member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, said this a great day for all concerned and ensures a good future for the Mill and Mossman.
In congratulating the group of sugar cane growers for their persistence to secure the mill, Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu pointed out this is the first grower group in the country to buy back a sugar mill.
Mayor Leu said the historic project would diversify the Douglas Shire economy and secure the long-term future of the sugar cane industry.
“Every level of government chipped in to make this sale happen,” she said.
“This is an exciting time for Mossman as the mill transitions into a bio-precinct that adds significant value to the mill’s operation and our local economy
“Not only will Mossman be a real frontier of innovation, we will also see a burst of new jobs in our region and more money flowing into our local businesses,” said Mayor Leu.
Mossman and Tableland Canegrowers and the Australian Cane Farmers Association worked closely together to form Far Northern Milling, and in July last year announced that they had conditionally purchased the mill from Mackay Sugar.
Mrs Salvetti said as of late last Friday afternoon, she was extremely excited to announce that the group of growers from Mossman and Tablelands, who had supported her Board over the last 28 months, now owned Mossman Mill.
"I would like to acknowledge the contributions from Douglas Shire Council and the Federal and State Governments.
“They have supported our business case to transition the mill from an exporter of sugar onto the world market to a bio-precinct, which will add significant value to the feedstock from the mill and ultimately provide consistently higher returns to both the growers and the mill,” said Mrs. Salvetti.
With the Mill secured, the focus for the Far Northern Milling team going forward will be to secure the value adding projects which will be built on the bio-precinct land adjacent the mill.
"We will be working quickly to assemble a project team to lead our value adding process. This team will scrutinise the technology, marketing and offtake agreement potential, before providing recommendations to the Board on the bio-precinct projects that we will take to final investment decision.
“As growers we are extremely excited at the prospect of producing high value products which will see us become price makers instead of price takers,” said Mrs Salvetti.
“We are also excited for the Mossman community to be able to share in the prosperity through job creation and business growth. This has been a win-win for every stakeholder connected with Mossman Mill and the community as a whole,” she said.
The sale of the Mossman Mill to the growers has paved the way for Mackay Sugar and the Mackay region growers to finalise their recapitalisation process with German company Nordzucker
Growers applaud Mossman Mill purchase
Canegrowers – July 2019 – Link to article
The members and leadership of CANEGROWERS are applauding their colleagues who supply Mossman Mill for taking control of their futures in securing ownership of this vital piece of industry infrastructure.
Through the company Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd, the mill is returning to grower control.
“I am full of admiration for the drive and determination of the growers in this far northern region,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri said. “In particular, I want to acknowledge the Far Northern Milling Board led by Maryann Salvetti which has worked through a long a difficult process.
“The growers of the Mossman and Tableland regions have dreamt big, committed their money and are now seeing this deal become a reality.
“Their vision to develop a bio-precinct in the town is providing leadership for their community. It will have far-reaching impacts and secure their farms as suppliers of feedstock for new products such as bioplastics.”
CANEGROWERS thanks the Queensland and Australian governments, the Douglas Shire Council and every supporter who has assisted to get this deal over the line.
“With the purchase of Mossman Mill by Far Northern Milling, Mackay Sugar is now able to proceed with securing Nordzucker AG, one of Europe’s largest sugar businesses, as a substantial investor,” Mr Schembri said. “Mackay region growers will soon vote on that transaction.
“Positive outcomes for the milling assets in these two important cane-growing regions will be a boost of confidence for growers as we work through a difficult harvest season.
“Weather impacts, drought in the south and dry conditions followed by floods in the north, mean that tonnages and quality for the 2019 crush have been affected.”
Support package to secure future of Mossman Mill and fuel potential new bio-refinery for state’s Far North
The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory – December 2018 – Link to article
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Cameron Dick
The Palaszczuk Government has today announced a support package of $25 million to Far Northern Milling Pty Ltd to assist in the establishment of an innovative bio-refinery that would help underpin the long-term future of Mossman sugar mill.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Government recognises the importance of Mossman Mill to the community and local economy and the substantial long-term benefits that would be derived from establishing a leading-edge bio-refinery on the site.
“Far Northern Milling intends to establish a biorefinery that will provide a viable future for the mill and long-term economic benefits to the community,” he said.
“If successful, this project will result in the development of a bio-refinery in the Far North which uses the latest in green chemical technology, which is another strong and progressive step forward for the state’s biofutures industry.
“This potential project will also diversify the Douglas Shire economy through the introduction of a considerable number of green chemical manufacturing jobs.
“Our government’s $25 million support package will materially benefit Far Northern Milling as they work towards finalising their business case, and, if successful, constructing the biorefinery,” he said.
“This package has been developed in consultation with the growers and is focused on securing the long-term viability of the industry.”
Mr Dick said the package includes $4 million to complete the necessary engineering studies for the biorefinery and provide executive support.
The Commonwealth Government recently announced $20 million in support for Far Northern Milling subject to an acceptable business case and additional financial support from the State Government.
Ms Maryann Salvetti, Chair of Far Northern Milling, said the support provided by the Queensland Government will be vital to helping Far Northern Milling realise their ambition to develop an innovative biorefinery, that will provide certainty to the Mossman Mill and the regions canegrowers.
“We would like to thank Minister Dick, Cynthia Lui and the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning for this support and their vote of confidence in our vision of creating a bio-future for our community,” she said.
“We now have a pathway forward to save Mossman Mill and the jobs it supports, which is great news for the Mossman sugar community.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the funding brings the opportunity to keep the mill running and build a biorefinery a step closer.
“The announcement of this $25 million support package for the Mill is the best Christmas present the Mossman sugar industry could wish for,” she said.
“I have been fighting to get certainty for the growers, and to get a clear pathway forward to build a sustainable future for the industry, and this announcement is a strong outcome.
“I want to thank the Premier and the Minister for supporting this project and Far Northern Milling and the Cane Growers for working with us to deliver this outcome.
“Now it is up to Warren Entsch and the Commonwealth Government to deliver on their promise – and release the $20 million they have committed to the ongoing operating costs of the mill.”
The biorefinery project strongly aligns with the government’s Advance Queensland Biofutures 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan.
