YOUNG innovators in the agricultural sector will discuss their ideas to revolutionise the food chain at a young producers forum in Townsville next week.
AgForce North Queensland President and Charters Towers grazier Matt Bennetto said the forum provided an opportunity to highlight the important role today's young producers play in agriculture's ongoing success.
"The Australian agriculture industry is undergoing rapid technological advancement," Mr Bennetto said.
"There are a range of new innovations available to farmers to assist them in driving their businesses forward and in identifying new revenue streams."
The agriculture industry is forecast to double its value by 2030, with the future of farming an exciting blend of old and new working to complement each other, not compete.
Mr Bennetto said the line-up of speakers would discuss how they are using innovation and new technologies to revolutionise the food chain, and increase sustainable food practices.
He said AgForce was serious about boosting the number of young producers entering the industry and had introduced a new 'country connection' membership category to engage young people who want to get their feet wet.
"The young producers' forum is all part of that," Mr Bennetto said.
"It gives anyone who wants to attend a chance to be at the cutting edge of what's happening and provides a rare opportunity to network with industry experts gathered in the one place."
Speakers at the forum include Krista Watkins, Natural Evolution Foods Co-Founder and 2018 AgriFutures Rural Women's Award National Winner; Michele Lally, CEO Australian Micro Abattoirs; Brian Ruddle, MD of Impact Innovation; Rachel Cliffe, Area General Manager North Queensland Telstra Country Wide; and AgForce CEO Mike Guerin.
Elisha Parker, winner of the 2020 NAB Agribusiness Rising Champion, will also talk briefly about her career path, and join Mr Bennetto for a short Q&A session.
The free forum is being held at the Townsville Brewery on Friday, September 20 from 2pm to 5.30pm with drinks and nibbles to follow.
For more information or to register for free visit agforceqld.org.au/innovation-beer-bubbles-sept19.
