21 August 2007 |
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| Tomorrow – ABARE's Regional OUTLOOK conference in Geraldton |
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| With a diverse range of speakers and perspectives, ABARE's Geraldton Regional OUTLOOK conference will explore the global commodity overview, OUTLOOK for farm performance, weather and climate trends, resource management, adapting grazing systems to changing environments, exporting and value adding in the region, across four sessions and 13 speakers. The Geraldton Regional OUTLOOK conference, on Wednesday 22 August, is a valuable forum to access market assessments and forecasts for a range of agricultural industries, with local and ABARE speakers presenting on these issues. The conference"s opening address will be delivered by Senator Judith Adams, Senator for Western Australia at 9.00am. In the opening session ABARE Executive Director Phillip Glyde will deliver the global commodity overview, and NAB"s Rod Fraser will explore on-farm risk management. Delegates at session two – opportunities and challenges in agriculture – will hear from Lisa Elliston, ABARE agriculture and surveys branch manager on OUTLOOK and farm performance; David Egerton-Warburton, from Agrimaster on adapting to change; and Sue Valentine, Morawa on changing perspectives. Session three focuses on resource management and climate change, with the Bureau of Meteorology"s Glenn Cook discussing drivers of weather and climate trends; Megan Abrahams, Department of Agriculture and Food WA on the repercussions of climate change on farming systems; Chris Gillam from Irwin Park on coping with variability and Bob Wilson, Tagasaste Farms, on adapting grazing systems to a changing environment. The conference concludes with session four that looks at exporting and value adding in the region. Speakers include Nick Blong from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on creating opportunities in a competitive global market; Steve Meerwald, from the Wellard Group on innovation in the export supply chain; and concluding with Barry Humfrey, Abrolhos Pearls on the challenges of building a business in regional Australia. Conference registration is $77, including conference admission, copies of available speakers' papers, lunch and morning and afternoon tea. Registration for media is complimentary. Date: Wednesday 22 August 2007 Venue: the Upper Deck at Conversations, lot 65 Baily Street, Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton WA. Time: Registration from 8.30am, conference 9.00am – 5.00pm Cost: $77 pp (inc GST) Contact: Amy O"Dell, ABARE on mobile 0408 487 825. Download the conference program at www.abare.gov.au/regional/ |
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| For media interviews and comment, please contact Phillip Glyde, ABARE Executive Director on mobile 0419 019 505. For general media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260, mobile 0417 689 567 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au. |
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