An integrated approach for the evaluation of research opportunities in the Queensland sugar industry

An integrated process has been developed for the evaluation of research opportunities in the Queensland sugar industry. Non-economic techniques such as workshops and surveys to define the problem were combined with systematic cost-benefit evaluation of research opportunities in a case study of factors affecting the performance of ratoon cane in the Queensland sugar industry. Thirteen research projects were ranked using the cost-benefit procedure. Improved irrigation efficiency, better placement of canegrub insecticide, and cane breeding were identified as the most profitable research options to improve ratoon cane performance. The widespread adoption of cane varieties with better ratooning potential was expected to lead to a high net present value for that option, while the substantial yield responses expected from improving irrigation efficiency and insecticide placement generated good returns from those projects.