TSBE's Agrifood Innovation Forum brings global thinking to Toowoomba

Over 150 local producers, investors, business owners and industry representatives converged on the Armitage Centre in Toowoomba to hear from industry experts and global thought leaders on environmental, social, governance (ESG) and sustainability practices and innovations, to explore how these themes play an important role in developing sustainable, secure food supply chains at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TSBE) Agrifood Innovation Forum (AIF).

Attendees heard for a strong line up of domestic and international speakers including Pier Smulders, General Manger, Alibaba Inc NZ/Aus, Pru Bennett, Chair, National Foundation for Australia-China Relations, Dr Chris Sarra, Director- General, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brett Spicer, Partner, Sustainability, BDO Australia and Dr Stephen Wiedmann, Integrity Ag Services.

“With approximately 40 percent of the attendees being visitors to the region, it is events like these that are critical not only for industry education, but also to provide business tourism and economic opportunities to Toowoomba and surrounds. With Toowoomba being the highest gross value producing region and the Western Downs coming in at number two, it is so important to ensure we continue to innovate to keep our place as a global food supplier”, said Greg Bowden, TSBE CEO.

The great line up of speakers was also bolsters by the generous support from sponsors and exhibitors who came on board to showcase ag business and industry in our region. The agriculture industry is responsible for about 10,000 jobs in our region and is worth in excess of $23 billion annually to Queensland, of which the Darling Downs is responsible for 55% of that figure.