#evokeAG. 2024

This week we bring you our evoke^AG. 2024 series with Tress Walmsley and Ponsi Trivisvavet joining our contributor Jayne Cuddihy in conversation to explore how they're working together to unlock the full potential of seed.

Finite resources, demand for sustainable production and the need to recycle and re-use are driving the move to a circular economy with potential benefits for the planet, producers and consumers.
Here thought leaders already putting circularity into practice unpick what’s needed to take the discussion beyond waste management to value creation.

Six years out from the deadline, we’re already seeing glimpses of how supply chains plan to meet their 2030 carbon pledges. In short: farmers with the lowest carbon footprint will be prioritised, so how do you ensure you’re at the head of the queue? Professor Richard Eckard shares why he believes selling carbon credits isn’t the answer.

This week we bring you our evoke^AG. 2024 series with Nina Schick and Phil Morle joining our contributor Jayne Cuddihy in conversation to explore how artificial intelligence is changing humanity.

Are the robots coming for us? Or is artificial intelligence a new ally on the path to a sustainable food future? Here, global expert in responsible generative AI, Nina Schick, demystifies artificial intelligence – and explains why food producers should embrace this kind of scary, but really cool technology to unlock the food system transformation we need to see.

Australia's economic landscape has long been characterised by two formidable pillars: mining and agriculture. These industries, while distinct in operation and sometimes at odds politically, share a tapestry of challenges, knowledge, and opportunities. Could the surprising interconnectedness of mining and agriculture pave the way for collaborative solutions to shared challenges? As Australia embarks on a journey towards sustainable economic development, harnessing the collective wisdom of these industries will be instrumental in realising our shared bounty.
Rebecca Tomkinson, CEO, Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia explores five key factors of this symbiotic relationship.

What do you get when you have leading international agrifood tech venture capitalists (VCs) and top tier private equity investors on a panel? A lot of predictions about the future, of course. But this year a panel at evoke^AG. 2024 also spoke openly about their reflections and the stark reality - a downturn in investment, coupled with geopolitical relations and inflation brings further financial headwinds. However, it’s certainly not all bad news. While entrepreneurs don’t have as much money to access from VCs, the overall agrifood tech ecosystem is maturing, with a broader awareness of the sector. 

With the World Economic Forum predicting an estimated $10 trillion business opportunity for nature investments by 2030, investors are becoming increasingly interested in natural capital. But, while natural capital is the latest phrase on everyone’s lips, taking it from a concept to achieving real-world, valuable outcomes is challenging.

Carbon is the currency of modern agriculture, so it’s no surprise that attendees at AgriFutures evoke^AG. 2024 were keen to know how Australia’s ag sector can overcome its stubbornly slow adoption of low-carbon solutions. As we hurtle towards 2030 (D-Day for most decarbonisation pledges both in Australia and internationally) market and regulatory pressures to reduce GHG emissions are bearing down upon the agrifood supply chain. Despite the urgency to respond, Australian producers aren’t yet flocking to low carbon production.

Here, top academics, early adopters, and sustainable livestock feed innovators share their truths on why adoption is lagging, and how we can drive faster progress.

Youth climate rallies, rising costs of living, food insecurity and farmers taking tractors to the streets in protest. To solve the world’s environmental problems Dr Lewis Akenji, Managing Director of the Hot or Cool Institute, says we need to tackle social tensions first – and that means addressing food systems sustainability with a five-step approach for a future-fit agrifood culture.

The price of fresh food and how the profits are shared along the supply chain from producer to check-out is under scrutiny, in both parliamentary and ACCC inquiries, in the media, and around the dinner table.
But how can fresh food producers pivot business models to get better outcomes? And what role does technology play in unlocking opportunities throughout the supply chain?

We often hear about the “cutting edge” or the most advanced technology or product but what about something that’s so radical and un-tested that it’s at the “bleeding edge”?
That kind of innovation can fill a gap in the market and deliver significant premiums but comes with risk.
A diverse group from the agrifood supply chain, both in Australian and export markets, share their insight in developing something new and finding a market willing to pay for it.