National Congress to tackle the critical issues of our time

TODAY the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) released the full Program for its National Congress at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland, over 22-23 June 2009. The Congress theme ‘Modern Farmers: growing opportunities today… meeting the challenges of tomorrow’ places Australia’s vital role as a food producer for an increasingly hungry world under the microscope and will be officially opened by Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke. “The world is undergoing seismic shifts in demand for life’s essentials and Australia, as one of the globe’s premiere food and fibre producers, is being asked to produce more volume with fewer resources,” NFF President David Crombie said. “We’re facing unparalleled challenges across many fronts when it comes to the absolute necessity of food and fibre production. High quality and reliable sources of produce, for which Australia is considered a prime supplier, have been taken for granted until now. “With the world growing by 100 million hungry mouths every year and dramatically changing consumption patterns across Asia seeing scarcity become the norm at the demand end, only to be further compromised by new climatic threats, a lack of water and the global financial crisis curbing output at the supply side, the world is at a cross-roads. “We can no longer afford to be complacent and simply expect that the abundance of food we’ve come to expect in the past can continue unless major challenges are overcome and corresponding changes are made. Scientists, government decision-makers, business leaders and farmers will address the critical issues of our time at our two-day National Congress.” The NFF 2009 National Congress Program explorers: * global population, changing consumption patterns and new and future demand trends, * climate change, * the international food shortage, * Asian expansion and what is means for Australia, * food production and environmental flows in a water-scarce world, * supply chain developments – from farmers, to consumers and everything in between, * new technology and farm business tools in the face of drought and the global financial crisis, and * genetically modified crops – the science, farm practicality and consumer issues. The Registration & Information Brochure, including the full Program of international and national expert presenters addressing these issues, is available below or from the http://www.congress.nff.org.au[National Congress website]. The National Congress Gala Dinner includes the announcement and presentation of the NFF/DAFF 2009 Innovation in Agriculture Awards in a glittering ceremony showcasing modern farm practises. The Early Bird Special – saving $110 off the full registration fee, including the Awards – expires on 1 May 2009. So get in quick! [ENDS]