40 years in the venture capital game with Andy Ziolkowski

At first glance, AgFunder’s Global AgriFoodTech Investment Report makes for pretty bleak reading, showing a 44% drop in investment in the sector in 2022 compared to 2021. But beyond the headline figures, there’s a more nuanced story to tell – and looking forward, it’s not all bad news.

Using technology to solve consumer concerns is nothing new in the 21st century. But two brothers from Geraldton in Western Australia have taken it to a whole new level, utilising blockchain expertise to track premium Australian food from the farm gate to its final destination in China – and facilitating sustainable, and global consumer interactions.

The application of agtech is often positioned to improve operational efficiency, profitability and sustainability. But could this narrow definition be limiting the adoption of agtech on farm and in the supply chain?

With a track record for running and re-engineering complex businesses, Mark Allison, Managing Director and CEO of Elders, is widely recognised as one of the thought leaders of Australian agribusiness.

Government, industries and companies are stepping up their climate commitments and evoke^AG. 2023 highlighted the opportunities and potential challenges for agriculture in tapping into the carbon market. A panel of experts working in this space argued there’s more than one way for farmers to cash in on soil carbon and climate friendly management practices, but that data is the key.