Agrifood Innovation Forum sprouts seeds of learning

Local producers, investors, business owners and industry representatives eager to explore environmental, social, governance (ESG) and sustainability and how these themes play an important role in developing sustainable food supply chains are encouraged to attend Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) Agrifood Innovation Forum (AIF) on 18 July in Toowoomba.

When it comes to agriculture, ESG considerations play a crucial role in evaluating the industry's environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices.

TSBE General Manager Justin Heaven said AIF is a fantastic opportunity to hear from our peak industry body leaders, sharing best practice and collectively addressing the ESG challenges.

“Our peak industry bodies act as important advocates in guiding agriculture on sustainable pathways and help shape policies that promote the adoption of sustainable practices, leading to a more environmentally friendly and economically viable agricultural sector,” Justin said.  

Featuring on the governance panel is Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray who works closely with our region’s cotton growers.

“There are greater and growing expectations from brands and consumers for us to be able to demonstrate our sustainability credentials in transparent and traceable ways,” Michael said.

“Our panel, paired with the myriad of other discussions, offers AIF attendees a holistic view of the agriculture landscape and the solutions emerging from our innovative ecosystem.”

BDO Australia Sustainability Partner Brett Spicer will share his experience with rising disclosure requirements and what they mean for maintaining a social licence to operate, strategic and operational planning.

“As a community, we are increasingly conscious of climate-related targets and other sustainability outcomes from a business’ operations. Those businesses within larger supply chains have an important role to play,” Brett said.

“Sustainability should be considered and can be applied at every stage of operations, and I look forward to sharing some practical insights that can positively impact a social licence to operate,” he said.

Following the conference on Tuesday, 18 July there is a gala dinner featuring a keynote address by Urban Utilities Growth Manager Callum Hickey followed by a panel sharing insight about algae production and its implementation into livestock nutrition.

On Wednesday, 19 July a site tour will commence with a virtual tour of Lockyer Valley Fruit and Vegetable Processing facility. The group will then board the bus and visit producers of world class walnuts, pecans, macadamias and almonds, Stahmann Webster and free-range egg producer, Sunny Queen Eggs.

To view the full program and to purchase tickets visit https://www.tsbe.com.au/AIF23_tickets