#Sustainability

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.

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.

When Buffie Punch, a Noongar woman from Perth Western Australia, met Amanda Healy, proud Wonnarua woman from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and founder of fashion brand Kirrikin, she knew things were about to change.

At the intersection of innovation, sustainability and economic growth – agtech can help underpin the future of Australia’s food and fibre industries. But delivering this exceptional edge means on-farm adoption. A new report by evoke^AG. 2024 partner, RSM Australia, recommends greater cooperation to increase awareness and education about innovative solutions. The RSM report unpicks the challenges and opportunities for the Australian agtech sector with insight from leading technology businesses.

Grand ideas to improve access to technology, international experience, and innovative approaches to improve the sustainability of farming, aquaculture and livestock, these are just some of the cutting-edge concepts that will be explored by Future Young Leaders at evoke^AG. 2024.

The Australian Government set a target of net zero emissions by 2050, there’s industry-driven sustainability frameworks for key agricultural commodities and momentum is building to account for natural capital in our farming systems. And increasingly consumers want more information about how their food is produced and banks too are looking at ‘green’ credentials. At evoke^AG. 2023 two end-to-end players from the beef and grain supply chains outline why sustainability matters to them and what they’re doing to address it.

Across the globe, investment and interest in the untapped potential of biomanufacturing* is at an all-time high. From Presidential Executive Orders to advance America’s bioeconomy, to multimillion-dollar funding announcements in states across Australia, governments around the world are pouring resources into the research and development needed to drive this burgeoning industry forward.

Socially conscious consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable fashion, driving companies to innovate greener forms of fibre production.

Australian agribusiness has seen significant growth over the past few years reaching $75B in output last year.

Farmers are increasingly expected to share sustainability metrics with their supply chain, customers, consumers and others, and acquiring those metrics can be complicated and expensive. A panel discussion presented by evoke^AG. 2023 Silver Partner CommBank, concluded that measurement is not only vital, but can deliver great opportunity on and off farm.

Our global food system has a long history of evolution – responding to the changing needs of the global population. But "Are we evolving fast enough?"

With the regulatory tail winds phasing out the use of fossil-based products, alternative materials such as mushrooms, prawn shells and potatoes for packaging will increasingly present opportunities for farmers. The key to economic viability will be having the supply chain and processing facilities in place, says Oli Madgett.