The future of Tasmanian farming …

Environment Tasmania and Sprout Tasmania are proud to announce the line up for “Cross Pollinate 2013”, Tasmania’s Sustainable Agriculture Conference. With more than 25 speakers, the conference will create a space for conversations about the future economic and environmental sustainability of Tasmanian farming.

“We’re really interested in looking at how we can grow and sustain an environmentally and economically positive future for farmers and rural communities. We want to create an opportunity for good conversations, robust debate, and a space for people to share innovative, practical tools and best practice research,” says Lani Evans, Sustainable Agriculture Campaigner for Environment Tasmania.

Dr Alice Percy, CEO of Sprout Tasmania commented “We’d like to see all Tasmanian producers working together to develop a brand of high quality for both local direct to consumer sales and export. The Cross-Pollinate conference will be an extremely valuable asset to Tasmania, providing networking opportunities and leading Tasmanian agriculture into a sustainable and profitable future.”

Speakers at the event include Costa Georgiadis from Gardening Australia, Guy Robertson from Mt Gnomon Farms, Will Bignell from Thorpe Farms, Ben Copeman, CEO of NASAA Organic Certifiers and Ewan McEoin from Business for Millenium Development.

Alex Mitchell from Organics Tasmania says “At a time when some sectors of the agricultural sectors are facing enormous economic stresses with old markets closing, and other sectors (like organics) is in a boom phase, this conference is perfectly timed to bring people together to explore new options for business development and diversification.”

Panel speaker and large scale farmer Will Bignell will be talking about the future of Tasmanian farming at the conference.

“Tasmanian agriculture has always been innovative and progressive simply due to the fact we live on an island at the bottom of world with not many people on it.

“Commodity based farming is still the mainstay for the bulk of our agricultural landscapes however niche industries such as poppies and pyrethrum coupled with boutique industries like whiskey to tulips have played an essential role in building the positive position Tasmanian agriculture is now in.

“Cross Pollinate 2013 is a great chance for people across various sectors to be inspired to think out side the box, bounce ideas and network with others who are inspired to keep innovating our agricultural sector.”

When: Monday July 22nd
9am till 6pm for conference content
7:30pm – 10pm for conference dinner

Where: Pier 01, 3 Wharf Street, Ulverstone

What: Short talks, keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops around agricultural and food issues, with a conference dinner prepared by renowned Chef Luke Burgess from Garagistes

For the full program, booking tickets and speaker biographies: https://www.et.org.au/cross-pollinate-sustainable-agriculture-conference

• Pic: Frogmore Creek vineyard’s Tony Sherer, Dr Alice Percy and Lani Evans

• Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Conference tackles Tasmania’s sustainable future The event is also listed in TT’s events listingsWhat’s On