FFN hosts FAO Delegation in Melbourne
On 31 October, the Future Farmers Network were honoured to host an intimate roundtable dinner for Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as part of his official visit to Australia organised by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Facilitated by FFN Chair & Clayton Utz Senior Associate, Caitlin McConnel, the roundtable provided a unique opportunity for a handful of FFN Directors and members, as well as young representatives of various commodities to engage in discussion with the Director-General about their respective experiences within industry to date, as well as global issues including food security, sustainability, and science & innovation.
The roundtable was held at Pure South Dining in Melbourne, who for over 20-years have been working directly with farmers, fisherman, and artisanal suppliers to source the best produce from the Bass Strait islands of King, Flinders and Tasmania. Under the guidance of Executive Chef David Hall, and with a focus on ethics, sustainability, and provenance, Pure South Dining provided a perfect platform for attendees to discuss the importance of ensuring that agrifood systems are efficient, inclusive, and resilient.
Additional representatives of FAO included Beth Bechdol, Deputy-Director General of the FAO, Haocong Wang, FAO Regional Coordinator for Asia & the Pacific; with key members of DAFF including Jo Grainger, A/g First Assistant Secretary, and Caroline Wardrop, Director – Trade & International Division, and Emma Hatcher, Australia’s Permanent Representative to the FAO. The young aggies accompanying Caitlin included:
- Will Atkinson (FFN Treasurer / MLA),
- Jessica Loughland (FFN / Greenham / Food & Fibre South East Coast),
- Kelly Seagrave (FFN / Australian Eggs / NFF Young Farmers Council),
- Libbe Paton (FFN / Paton Rural / Bush Heritage Australia),
- Will Onus (Farmer / Ruminati)
- Prue Davey (Professional Fisherman / FV Wildcard / Seafood Industry Australia)
- Jamie Pepper (Farmer / NFF YFC / Food & Fibre South East Coast)
- Tessa Chartres (Murray Irrigation / South West Regional Conservatorium / 2024 Zanda McDonald Award Winner (Australia)
Of his attendance at the roundtable, the Director-General reiterated his interest in gaining ‘young people’s perspective on agriculture’, and the importance of ‘recognizing their challenges and opportunities in the sector. Reflecting on their involvement across various agricultural industries, he appreciated the range of insights offered and noted the important role youth can play in shaping the future of agriculture’ (FAO, 2024).
The FFN Board would like to thank Caroline Wardrop, and the entire DAFF team for the extraordinary opportunity to be part of the Director-General’s official visit to Australia; as well as Clayton Utz and Caitlin McConnel for sponsoring the event alongside FFN. The FFN Board are also grateful for the industry groups and agribusinesses who provided financial support to each young aggie enabling them to travel Melbourne to attend this important event.