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Tuesday, 8 July 2008 The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) today announced its 2008 Annual Conference would focus firmly on the future, with guest speakers focusing on new rice growing opportunities in northern Australia, the response to global food demands, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the industry. RGA President Les Gordon said the theme for this year’s event, which will be held at the Coleambally Bowling Club on Thursday, 7 August 2008, was ‘Beyond the Drought – Feeding the World Again’. “Last year our conference addressed the issue of the looming global food shortage and what it might mean for the Australian Rice Industry,” he said. “This year we’re looking forward to examine the road back to full production. Our focus is firmly on the future and we have an excellent line up of speakers that reflect both the challenges and opportunities we will face.” Mr Gordon said the conference’s keynote speaker was Mick Keogh, Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute. “Mick will be discussing the challenge of responding to global food demand in a climate and carbon constrained environment. His presentation isn’t just of interest to the rice industry, but all agri-food industries in Australia and Mick alone is expected to attract many of the 200 - 250 delegates anticipated,” he said. Joining Mr Keogh are speakers Russell Ford – Manager, Rice Research Australia; Dr Peter Snell – Rice Breeder, NSW Department of Primary Industries; and Bernie Connolly – Senior Manager Rural, Rabobank. “Russell and Peter’s presentation ‘From Cane to Grain – Rice Development in the North’ will focus on the rice research and production trials in Northern Australia over the last 12 months,” said Mr Gordon. “Bernie’s presentation ‘The Global Financial Crisis’ will outline the causes and impacts of the current economic climate and potential implications for borrowers here and abroad. Other topics to be examined at conference include the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme, and water efficiency improvements.” Mr Gordon said due to the continuing drought and the pressure that the industry and sponsors were under, this year instead of a Gala Dinner there would be refreshments immediately after the conference. “The current season has been even more difficult than those before it and as a result we have scaled back on post conference activities,” he said. “However there has been no compromise when it comes to the calibre of this year’s presenters and topics. We’ve put together a robust and interesting day that focuses on the future of not only our industry, but agri-business in general. And of course the refreshments after conference provide an important opportunity for attendees to relax and mix with each other and our sponsors in a more informal setting. “We hope to see as many growers there as possible.” The RGA 2008 Annual Conference will be held at the Coleambally Bowling Club on Thursday 7 August 2008 from 10am – 5.30pm. Drinks will follow from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The conference is free to financial RGA members and their partners. Non members and non financial members are welcome to attend at a cost of $55 (inc GST). Registrations for the conference close on Thursday, 31 July 2008. For more information visit www.rga.org.au or phone (02) 6953 0433. NOTE: Media are welcome to attend the conference. CONTACT |
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