The Rural Times

The National Farmers’ Federation National Conference


Stellar speaker line up announced for agriculture’s premier event… Be quick! Early bird tickets run out soon

The National Farmers’ Federation National Conference program is locked in, bringing together some of Australia and the world’s most eminent thought leaders in Canberra on October 26-27.

This year’s theme ‘Australia to the World’ will look at Australia’s role in feeding the world, its trading relationships, and global leadership in sustainability and innovation.

NFF CEO Tony Mahar said Australian agriculture was standing at a precipice of emerging opportunities in trade while political influences across the globe were impacting the sector both here and overseas.

“We’ve just had free trade open up with the UK, tensions with China are thawing, new opportunities are developing with the EU and countries like India, all in the face of a growing global population,” Mr Mahar said.

“But farmers are also facing significant barriers and this is being felt across the globe with mounting pressures on emissions reduction and changing consumer expectations.

“It’s pushed Dutch farmers to the brink where they are protesting on regulations being imposed on them, so we are excited to hear from the founder and leader for the Farmer-Citizen Movement in the Netherlands, Caroline van der Plas at the conference.

“Alongside Ms van der Plas, the program includes a number of speakers looking at global trade, policy and opportunities from all angles, as well as grassroots insights from farmers and media personalities.”

Program snapshot

    Technology futurist Dr Jordan Nguyen on the megatrends in AI, virtual reality, gene editing and robotics and what this could mean for agriculture.

    Cricketing legend Glenn McGrath will share his story including his foundation’s work with health services in rural Australia.

    ABC News Breakfast co-host and Muster Dogs narrator Lisa Millar will share her story from growing up in regional QLD to coming full circle with the smash hit show Muster Dogs.

    NZX Head of Analytics, Julia Jones, will unpack global macro trends and their impact on agri sector prosperity.

    Director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Nick Austin, Former World Vision CEO Tim Costello and Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey will discuss the global food security crisis.

    ABARES’ Dr Jared Greenville and Rabobank Global Strategist Michael Every will discuss the sector’s performance and the shifting sands of global trade.

    A huge political lineup, including Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, Trade Minister Don Farrell, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, Nationals Leader David Littleproud, and Member for Indi Helen Haines.

    Event MC is Channel 7 presenter and Telling Our Story podcast host, Angie Asimus, who will also record a podcast interview live on stage.

“Along with exploring the opportunities and challenges on our doorstep and what they mean for farmers, the conference program includes social events and the graduation breakfast for our flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.

“A highlight will be getting a taste of how Aussie food is served around the world at the Nutrien Global Food Fair – with live entertainment and tasting stations representing our global markets,” Mr Mahar said.

“Without doubt, the conference is an unrivalled national event that brings together farmers and agricultural leaders from all corners and commodities of our industry.”

Discounted early bird tickets are available until Sunday 27 August, be quick to secure yours. For tickets and the full program visit nffconference.com.au

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Tony Mahar

Chief Executive Officer, National Farmers

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