Melbourne’s culinary stage is set, not for tasting menus, but for the hard-hitting discourse shaping the future of Australian agribusiness. Today marks the 13th iteration of The Australian’s Global Food Forum, a powerhouse event, fuelled by partnership with Visy and fortified by the global perspective of the Wall Street Journal.
Looking ahead
This year, the forum pivots its gaze towards the horizon, adopting the compelling theme “Towards 2050.” It’s a strategic move, positioning the event as a crucible for dissecting the evolving landscape of food production, investment, and technological disruption.
The forum is promising to offer a unique lens into the shifting currents of a vital sector. Expect discussions that delve into:
Investment frontiers: Where are the new capital flows heading? What are the emerging opportunities for brands and agencies navigating this dynamic space?
Innovation showcase: The forum will spotlight the cutting-edge ag technologies set to redefine food production and supply chains. How can advertisers leverage these advancements to connect with increasingly tech-savvy consumers?
Sustainability imperative: With sustainability becoming a non-negotiable for consumers, the forum will explore how agribusiness is adapting. What are the evolving narratives and advertising opportunities for brands embracing eco-conscious practices?
Diversification strategies: As global markets shift, the forum will examine how Australian agribusiness is diversifying its offerings. What are the implications for product development and targeted advertising campaigns?
The next generation: Crucially, the forum will address the role of young farmers in securing Australia’s food future. How can brands and agencies engage with this vital demographic and their evolving consumption patterns?
Michelle Gunn at The Australian Global Food Forum 2024
Combating challenges
The Australian’s editor-in-chief Michelle Gunn said the purpose of the Global Food Forum was to highlight the crucial challenges and immense potential of Australia’s $150 billion agribusiness and food sector.
“Today the Forum will hear from leading experts, engage in stimulating discussions, and forge connections that will help shape the future of food security, sustainability, and agribusiness,” Gunn said. “The road ahead requires bold action, cutting-edge innovation, and collaboration across industries, governments, and communities.
“The Australian is committed to providing a platform to embrace this challenge with determination, to ensure a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sustainably produced food.”
Featured guests
This year’s event will feature Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, Visy Executive Chairman, Anthony Pratt, Coles group chief executive, Leah Weckert, GrainCorp managing director and chief executive officer, Robert Spurway, United States Studies Centre senior economics adviser, Dr John Kunkel, and chef, restaurateur and farmer Matt Moran.
Along with some of The Australian’s most senior editorial staff including, Claire Harvey, Damon Kitney, Eli Greenblat, Eric Johnston, Perry Williams and Vesna Poljak, and The Weekly Times’ James Wagstaff.
Shifting dynamics
From private equity and super funds snapping up farmland to the evolution of both corporate and family-run agribusinesses, the Global Food Forum will explore the shifting dynamics of the sector. Industry leaders will unpack global food trends and the latest in sustainable farming practices, offering insights into how agriculture is adapting to a rapidly changing world.
Food security will take centre stage, with discussions on how cutting-edge technologies and innovation can streamline supply chains, reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint, and create fresh opportunities in international trade.