Key Issues Addressed at Winds of Change Agri-Conference

Key Issues Addressed at Winds of Change Agri-Conference

Over 130 of Australasia’s leading agribusiness professionals will gather in Wellington on Monday (21st) for the annual Platinum Primary Producers (PPP) Conference.

Challenged with discussing the ‘winds of change’ currently sweeping across the farming landscapes of New Zealand and Australasia, delegates will hear from keynote speakers including Steven Carden, CEO of Landcorp Farming Ltd, Paul Morgan, Chairman of Wakatu Incorporation, Prof. Jacqueline Rowarth from the University of Waikato, James Parsons, Chairman of Beef + Lamb NZ, Doug Avery, Malborough farmer, and Scottie Chapman, CEO of Spring Sheep Dairy Ltd.

Agenda topics will include exporting and new markets, innovations in sheep milk, changing demands for food and nutrition, encouraging young people into agriculture, farm tourism and connecting rural and urban communities.

PPP Chairman and Wairarapa farmer, Shane McManaway, says the PPP Group, which comprises the most influential, positive and innovative agri leaders in Australasia, is looking forward to discussing the important issues of the day.

“Our theme, which plays on the Capital’s meteorological disposition, also allows us to discuss ‘how we navigate the winds of change for the greater good of the agricultural industry.”

Conference delegates will find inspiration from additional guest speakers including Melissa Clark-Reynolds, serial technology entrepreneur, Jack Thatcher, traditional master navigator, Jody Allen, the face behind an Australian marketing campaign My Family Needs Farmers, Ben Warren, holistic health nutritionist, and modern-day adventurer and explorer, Jamie Fitzgerald.

The PPP Conference also marks the announcement of the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Zanda McDonald Award. In the running for the $30,000 prize package is: Wesley Lefroy, a 24 year old soil scientist from Western Australia, Dean Rabbidge, a 30 year old dairy, beef and sheep farmer from Wyndham, Southland and Erica van Reenen, a 31 year old environmental and agricultural consultant from Feilding.

The Hon. Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries will present the award on Wednesday 23rd March at approximately 9:00pm.

ends

© Scoop Media