A Silver Jubilee of Market Insights, Research, and Networking
The Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) marks its 25th anniversary this year, celebrating with a robust program that promises to deliver critical insights into current market trends, future pricing, cutting-edge research, and pivotal domestic and foreign policies. The event, themed “Every grain has a silver lining,” will take place at Melbourne’s Crown Promenade on July 31 and August 1, providing an ideal forum for both local and international participants to learn and network.
Grain Trade Australia (GTA) and the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) are the proud hosts of this event. According to GTA chief executive officer Pat O’Shannassy, the program continuously evolves to address contemporary challenges and identify opportunities, even during tough seasons and fluctuating market conditions.
“Since AGIC started in 1999, we’ve faced droughts, wet years, and market-access issues, but there are always opportunities for us to learn from each other and from the insights our speakers bring,” Mr. O’Shannassy said. “We also aim to make the event a place to network, both in the sessions and at social events around them, and we’re hoping for record attendance this year, including delegations from Indonesia, China, and customers from around the world.”
Key Themes and Speakers
Global Market Insights: AGIC 2024 will feature comprehensive presentations on global grain and oilseed markets from Dr. Rory Deverell, producer and distributor of the renowned Fryer’s Reports, and Ukraine-based Masha Belikova of FastMarkets AgriCensus, who will discuss the current Black Sea grain situation.
Demand Dynamics: S&P Global Commodity Insights principal economist and head of Asia-Pacific crops, Vladimir Zinkovski, will delve into China’s renewed demand for Australian barley and wheat.
Domestic Perspectives: On the home front, Ingham’s general manager commodities, Matt Clarke, will provide insights from one of Australia’s largest consumers of grain and protein meals used in poultry feed.
Special Sessions
A notable session titled “The Silver Lining – The Carbon Transition: Bioenergy and Other Opportunities” will preview early next month on Grain Central. The panel discussion will include HFW partner and climate change law specialist Ruth Dawes, Cargill Asia-Pacific environmental markets and sustainability director Ben Fargher, and Bioenergy Australia CEO Shahana McKenzie, shedding light on the implications of the carbon transition throughout the supply chain.
Additional Highlights
The conference will also feature other prominent speakers, including:
- Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry secretary Adam Fennessy
- Woodside Energy, Qantas Airways, and AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder
- Federal Member for Page and Shadow Minister for Trade Kevin Hogan
- Cricketing legend and McGrath Foundation co-founder Glenn McGrath
- CBH head of grain technology Craig McLure
- Head of the National Security College at the Australian National University Professor Rory Medcalf
- DP World Oceania executive vice president Nicolaj Noes
- Australian Research Council Centre for Future Crops director Barry Pogson
- Consulting firm Pyne and Partners executive chair Christopher Pyne
- GrainCorp managing director and CEO Robert Spurway
- Port of Melbourne head of business development Leatrice Treharne
- DDT Holdings senior commodity manager Kurt Wilkinson
Exhibitors from the industry will be on hand to discuss the latest products and services supporting the high standards of Australian grain.
Registration Details
Registration for AGIC 2024 is now open, with early bird rates available until July 5. Thanks to support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, growers can benefit from a number of discounted registrations.
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