Fiona Simson, President National Farmers’ Federation will provide a keynote address at the Australian Organic Conference in July.
The immense opportunities for the thriving organic industry will be unveiled and examined during the Australian Organic Conference 2022 being held in Brisbane from 21 to 22 July to coincide with Australian Organic Limited’s (AOL) 35th anniversary.
AOL Chief Executive Officer, Niki Ford, said the inaugural conference had the potential to become a legacy event, providing farmers, supply-chain stakeholders and exporters with key insights into the growing organic sector contributing more than $2 billion to Australia’s economy.
“With demand for organic goods surging both internationally and domestically here in Australia, there has never been a more imperative time for our industry to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Ms Ford said.
“It’s a fitting touch this first-of-its kind conference aligns with Australian Organic Limited’s anniversary, which marks 35 years since the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) Co-Op was established. Now known as Australian Organic Limited, we are the peak industry body providing a single, and powerful, advocacy voice for the sector.”
The conference also coincides with 30 years of the Commonwealth’s National Standard for Organic & Bio-Dynamic Produce, the backbone of Australia’s export requirements for organic goods.
Ms Ford said the Australian Organic Conference would provide a robust line-up of speakers and an interesting range of panel discussions to tackle the full gamut of industry issues.
“The conference will cover every sector of our progressive industry, from climate change’s impact on farming, the use of sustainable packaging, to soil health and biologicals,” she said.
“The conference will also provide a plethora of information for attendees who are new, or simply interested in learning about the organic industry.”
National Farmers’ Federation President, Fiona Simson, will be among the keynote speakers and will discuss a range of topics including the need to safeguard market access for organic exports in order for the industry to reach its full potential.
“Australian agriculture is renowned across the globe for producing high quality food and fibre and we are proud of our growing organic sector, which gives farmers and consumers choice in what they can produce and buy,” Ms Simson said.
“The National Farmers’ Federation has a bold vision for agriculture to become a $100 billion industry by 2030 and the organic sector is an important part of us achieving this goal.”
Other speakers at the conference include Anika Molesworth, a Broken Hill sheep producer and leading young farmer advocate, as well as Professor Mark Howden, Director, Climate Change Institute, Australian National University and Vice Chair of The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Ms Ford described the Australian Organic Conference as a milestone event for the industry, and said she was looking forward to welcoming attendees from across the nation to Brisbane.
“The Australian organic sector is in a prospering position and is rising to the challenge of meeting increased global demand for organic goods and produce,” Ms Ford said.
“It’s never been more timely for our industry to unite so we can fully capitalise on the new, and emerging, market opportunities.”
Registrations for the Australian Organic Conference 2022 are now open and close on 15 July. For more information, or to secure your place, visit Australian Organic Limited’s website.
Media enquiries:
Hannah Hardy
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au
0421 196 004
Kate Scott
kate.scott@bluehillpr.com.au
0438 389 092
