SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Regional food security relies on successful trade that creates opportunities for the grain industry to meet demand, attendees heard from speakers at the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) Asia 2024 on March 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and March 7 in Shanghai, China.

Over 200 delegates joined AGIC Asia 2024 from across Asia and Australia for the face-to-face event and connected, networked and discussed topical issues with colleagues, potential customers and suppliers under the theme of “Reconnecting and Building Value.”

“What a great occasion and an opportunity to reflect on strategic importance and the success of the trade of grain between Asia and Australia and take a moment to acknowledge and understand the people involved in the business,” said Andrew Goyder, chair of Grain Trade Australia (GTA), which hosts the conferences. “The opportunity for suppliers and customers to connect and communicate as an industry is so important in developing cross-industry leadership and culture. This is how understanding, resilience and sustainability with trading partners is fostered and achieved.”

Insights from AGIC Asia’s lineup of local and Australian speakers included:

• The strategic necessity of the grain trade between Australia and the region, as a critical component to regional food security. 
• The importance of connecting supply with demand and examining and understanding opportunities to trade was a key message and generated good discussion and awareness.
• Asian economic growth factors, and demographic changes driving and changing demand growth.
• How the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials of Australia’s grain supply chain supports market expectations for sustainable safe food-based products.
• The importance of industry-to-industry and government-to-government collaboration to drive improvements in understanding and harmonization of technical market access requirements to deliver mutual benefits for both Asian customers and the Australian grain industry.
• Australia’s grain production and its supply chain capacity are positioned to provide reliable and sustainable quality grain and grain products to Asia.
• Australia’s proximity, the Australian industry framework and quality assurance practices ensure a reliable source of supply and a supply chain build on reputation and trust.

AGIC Asia 2024 also continued the tradition of GTA leading Australian industry delegates in roundtable sessions involving local government agencies and industry to strengthen relationships and support the development of mutual trading interests. In 2024 AGIC roundtable sessions were held in Jakarta and Shanghai and supported by the local Australian government staff.