The impact of the global environment, social and governance (ESG) movement is a hot topic with customers, processors, bankers, insurers and investors. Australian agriculture is not immune, so what does that mean for those in the sector?
A conference at La Trobe University in Wodonga on 28 July will offer the opportunity to learn more about what ESG is and what it means now and in the future for all producers, processors and retailers.
Convenor on behalf of the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Chris Mirams, said the conference would be of interest to every producer and supply chain participant.
“ESG is a stakeholder-centric, socially-conscious approach to doing business,” Mr Mirams said.
“Consumers and investors are no longer looking for superficial answers, they are digging deeper and looking to build knowledge and trust and align their purchasing decisions with their values.
“Our ESG score cards will determine who we will be doing business with in the future.
“We are bringing together leading farmers and participants in the red meat and wool industries to help us understand and navigate the world of ESG.”
Speakers at the conference include:
- Rosemary Bissett - Head ESG Risk Management, National Australia Bank;
- Sam Churchill - Group Manager Sustainability, JBS;
- Jason Colosimo - Head of Commercial and Strategy, Coles;
- Edwina Clowes - Manager Sustainability Frameworks and Stakeholders, Meat & Livestock Australia;
- Scott Williams - Chair Sheep Sustainability Framework Steering Committee
- Michael de Kleuver - Wool Business Development, Elders;
- Mark Symes - Wool Manager, Schneider Group;
- Alison Kelly - Farm Emissions Specialist, Agriculture Victoria
Topics for discussion included on the program are:
- Introduction to ESG, global trends, challenges and opportunities
- ESG implications for our red meat and wool supply chains
- Meeting customer expectations, market access & social licence
- The role of sustainability frameworks
- What our top farmers are doing now
- On Farm Emissions
- Q&A Panel Session
The event is supported by the North East Catchment Management Authority and Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government and Meat and Livestock Australia.
Tickets for the conference cost $23pp plus booking fee. A dinner will be held on the evening of 28 July at the Albury Club costing $40pp plus booking fee (drinks extra), featuring Sam Burke, Product & Business Manager and Corporate Chef, MLA.
Tickets are now available at https://events.humanitix.com/esg-in-agriculture
Download the full program and flyer here