Conference to crack innovation blockage
Intensive Ag sector poised for big growth
THE benefits of intensive agriculture’s four sectors collaborating and promoting the industry will be discussed in depth at a Food Leaders Australia conference next month.
The industry’s four sectors of beef, pork, poultry and dairy are poised for growth in the region due to reliable grain production, and significant infrastructure spending in air, road and rail will see this region continue to grow.
FLA general manager Bruce McConnel said the Intensive Animal Industry Conference would explore innovation and social licence issues and solutions to promote and help grow the sector.
“It’s really important these industries get together and collaborate on innovation and social licence (and) resource usage because this region is the largest intensive animal sector in Australia,” he said.
“Sixty-two per cent of all cattle on feed exist within two hours of Toowoomba.
“But our largest (agricultural) export from this region is eggs.
“Most people don’t realise the absolute market-leading position we have within the animal intensive industry.”
Mr McConnel said social licence had become a key issue in recent weeks, and industry operators had to be proactive in response.
“Social licence is society’s willingness to allow us to operate as an industry,” he said.
“We need to always be on the front foot and pro-actively managing our perception in society.”
Premise Agriculture Southwest Queensland general manager Dr Margaret Jewell said it was important for industry operators to share different approaches in their operations.
The conference will be held in Dalby on March 7.
See tsbe.com.au for details.