THE rice industry is continuing to struggle under the weight of the ongoing drought and low water allocations, but SunRice has said it is committed to toughing it out.
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The company held its annual general meeting in Jerilderie last week, with several issues addressed on the day.
SunRice currently has a growth strategy in place looking towards the year 2022, which includes the goal of doubling revenue.
However, given the current conditions, the company expects this to be impacted.
Following its listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), SunRice expects to issue earnings guidance with half-year reporting in December.
The company said this change better aligns SunRice with peers and expectations of investors on the ASX.
SunRice chief executive officer Rob Gordon said while the last 12 months had been a struggle, it was important to be realistic.
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"Current drought, water allocations and pricing continue to negatively impact the rice industry and SunRice's operations in the Riverina," he said.
"While growers adapt their farming mix and models in response, there is no escaping the reality of these harsh conditions.
"These challenging conditions follow the second-lowest crop on record in 2019 of 54,000 tonnes.
"The expected crop for C20 is not yet known, with planting to commence later in the year.
"However, if current seasonal conditions and poor water availability continue, it is likely to remain subdued.
"While we anticipate a loss to our Australian rice pool segment during the year ahead due to under recoveries, we now expect it will be similar to, or lower than that in financial year 2017.
"In addition to this impact, we also expect foreign exchange movements, a weak Australian Dollar and potential changes to consumer demand in key markets to weigh against performance."
Growers putting rice in to harvest next year, which will be marketed in the 2021 financial year, will start planting in October.
However, those thinking about planting rice will be weighing up many factors, including the drought.
But, it's not all doom and gloom for the business.
"Conversely, current positive momentum in profit businesses should continue, and we expect to see strong performance with both our CopRice and Riviana businesses during the year ahead," Mr Gordon said.
"Despite obvious challenges, SunRice continues to deliver against its 2022 growth strategy to build a more resilient and agile company for the future.
"We continue to invest in the Riverina, while also building strengthened supply chains and infrastructure overseas to meet the growing demand of our customers globally.
"While SunRice has undergone significant change as a business in recent years, diversifying into new product areas and markets, our commitment to local growers and a bright future for them remains unchanged."
Shareholders also approved changes to SunRice's constitution to allow greater flexibility for voting in future grower director elections and annual general meetings.
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