PRESS RELEASE: The Future of Food Conference: Unlocking the future potential of the food industry in Western Australia

The Future of Food Conference will be the first of its kind to be hosted in Western Australia that brings industry, research, and businesses together to stimulate discussion and showcase innovation that is changing the face of the food industry.

Southern Dirt and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are presenting the Future of Food Conference on 23rd and 24th September. The 23rd will see conference, exhibition and sundowner at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre. The 24th will see a tour of the Peel Food Zone and the surrounding regions and includes a Design Thinking workshop. Alternatively, a series of investment readiness and ecommerce strategies workshops will also be running at the Sebel Mandurah.

Southern Dirt has a long and successful history of showcasing agri-food innovations, and this year are shining the spotlight on the Peel Food Zone, home to some of the best produce and innovative agri-food businesses. The Future of Food conference will provide producers, health professionals, universities, start-ups, investors, and innovators an opportunity to foster networks and alliances in the food industry.

Hannah Lalor, Southern Dirt project officer and Future of Food Conference coordinator discussed how the program came together. “Showcasing value add opportunities available now and discussing future opportunities in the area of value-add, have always been front of mind as we have pieced together the conference program.”

“We have selected researchers and experts from a range of sectors of the food industry to come together with local producers and food businesses to discuss the latest in food technology, marketing, health and nutrition and upcoming trends in the industry.”

The Western Australia Food Innovation Precinct, General Manager, Dr Chris Vas said that “to feed the many billion people in the coming decades, sustainably, significant progress has to be made in the agri-food sector.”

“Part of this progress will come from innovative action that will support translating research from the lab onto the plates of consumers. Some of the innovations will encompass productivity enhancing technologies to boost on-farm yields; to, embracing new food trends such as alternative proteins; to, ensuring the last mile delivery of the food is traceable to the source eliminating food fraud and much more.”

“In all of these developments, a sustained conversation across organisational and geographic boundaries is required. The Future of Food conference is a step along this journey” Dr Vas said.

Tracey Hodgkins, CEO of Southern Dirt, is excited to bring industry, researchers, and food businesses together.

“This is a first for Western Australia, and a much-needed event to shape the future of food for our State,” said Tracey Hodgkins.

For key themes, session descriptors and speaker profiles please visit www.futureoffood.com.au and purchase tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/BOHJN

ABOUT US:
Southern Dirt is one of Western Australia’s leading regional development groups encompassing some of WA’s most productive land and representing some of the states’ most innovative farmers and food producers throughout the Southwest, Great Southern and Peel areas with pockets of farmers/producers throughout the Northern regions. Supported by a dedicated committee of farmers, food producers and industry specialists to create and sustain vibrant, healthy, prosperous farms and communities.

CONTACT: Hannah Lalor (Southern Dirt Project Officer)
PHONE: 0401 398 700
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.futureoffood.com.au