It was great to see some of the team from Plant Health Australia, including CEO Sarah Corcoran and National Coordinator VegNET Cherry Emerick.

The biennial conference was presented by the NT Farmers Association in collaboration with AgForce Queensland, the Ord River District Co-operative, and the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association. AUSVEG and Hort Innovation were also proud sponsors of the event.

The sixth Northern Australia Food Futures Conference convened over 400 delegates and 70 esteemed national and international speakers from across industry, research, government, and the private sector.

Under the theme ‘Innovative Agribusiness in Northern Australia: Nurturing Natural Assets for Future Growth’, the conference served as a platform for forward-thinking discussions and strategic insights into the region’s agricultural future.

As the National Coordinator for VegNET, it was a privilege to be able to attend this conference and have the opportunity to talk to growers and organisations from the country’s north to further collaborate and gain a stronger understanding of their needs.

This year’s event featured an enriched program, offering comprehensive coverage of both established and emerging agricultural sectors through keynote addresses and plenary sessions. The revised two-day format provided an engaging experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.

A personal highlight for me was not only to hear Ronni Kahn from OzHarvest speak about her journey in collaboration and innovation, but to meet her in person. She’s such an inspirational woman, full of passion for what she does.

Mariah Maughan setting up the Harvest

Attendees also enjoyed a series of networking opportunities, including the Welcome Food Futures Conference Reception at Parliament House in Darwin, hosted by the NT Minister of Lands, Planning, and Environment, The Honourable Joshua Burgoyne MLA, as well as the Elders ‘Taste of the Territory’ Cocktail Party and various ancillary events. These gatherings celebrated the rich agricultural potential of northern Australia while facilitating valuable connections across the sector.

With an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and growth, the conference reinforced its role as a vital forum for shaping the future of agribusiness in the region.