MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — The grain industry’s future and challenges will be the focus of the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) from July 31 to Aug. 1 in Melbourne, Australia.

“With the theme Navigating the Future: Roadmap to 2025, we will explore the exciting future of the grains industry, and address some of challenges that will inevitably be faced along the way,” said Pat O’Shannassy, chief executive officer of conference co-host Grain Trade Australia. “We have an exceptionally innovative program this year, and will cover issues across the grains supply chain, all guided by our strong list of local speakers and international experts who hail from as far afield as China, Indonesia, the United States and the Ukraine.”

Among the keynotes and sessions for AGIC 2019 — which range from economic analysis to environmental policy — are Great Expectations: Outlook for the Global Grain and Oilseed Market; Reaping What You Sow: Social License and Grains Sustainability — Challenges and Opportunities in Global Trends; and Navigating a Future Path to Success: Tomorrow’s Generation of Industry Professionals.

Former politician John Hewson, chair of Bioenergy Australia and one of Australia’s most experienced economists, will share his thoughts on navigating the politics behind climate change.

Fiona Simson, president of the National Farmers’ Federation, also will be at AGIC to share the organization’s roadmap to industry growth in her keynote conversation.

“Australian grain growers are amongst the world’s most innovative farmers,” Simson said. “They are early adopters of technologies that not only boost productivity but protect our environment. They excel in water use efficiency and are expert at growing more with less. Australian wheat, barley, canola, pulses and sorghum are renowned across the globe.

“With grain exports contributing about $17.3 billion to our economy each year, the continued success and growth of the grains sector is crucial to agriculture reaching its overall goal of becoming a $100 billion industry by 2030.”

Other speakers include Sergey Feofilov from UkrAgro Consult in the Ukraine; Shayne Elliot, CEO, ANZ; Franciscus Welirang, chairman, Indonesian Flour Mills Association; Brendan Bourke, CEO, Port of Melbourne; and Erik Norland, senior economist, CME Group. The full program, and registration, is available at ausgrainsconf.com

Well-known TV and radio presenter Virginia Trioli will lead a panel discussion on global trade politics with a line-up that includes: Philippa Jones (China Policy), Melissa Conley Tyler (AsiaLink), Ken Eriksen (Agribusiness Intelligence) and Dan Cekander (DC Analysis).