In an industry first, four executives from international and Australian-owned processing companies will sit side-by-side for a panel discussion hosted by Rabobank senior analyst Michael Harvey to explore what is happening in the processing sector and long-term implications for the Australian dairy industry.
The discussion, held during the February 19 to 21 event, will see Fonterra managing director Ren Dedoncker, Bega executive chairman Barry Irvin, Norco chairman Greg McNamara and Saputo chief executive officer Lino Saputo Jr join the conversation.
The session will include questions from the audience and take place at 9am on Thursday, February 21, at the Hotel Realm in Canberra.
ADC programming chair Susan Wearden outlined the intention to bring together the chiefs of major processing companies to gain their insight and opinion for robust debate and discussion.
‘‘The Australian dairy processing sector is really under the microscope at present and we are emerging from a period of unprecedented change. At the same time, the global dairy landscape is also really evolving so there is a lot happening,’’ she said.
‘‘What better way to better understand the implications for our industry and farmers than hear parallel perspectives from those in charge of companies navigating their way through the dairy environment?
‘‘In an intriguing start to the session, each executive will have five minutes to outline ‘what keeps them up at night’ which should prove quite insightful.
‘‘This session is shaping up to be a highlight on the second day of conference and we are confident this collaboration will ignite the interest of Australian dairy farmers.’’
Mrs Wearden said the Australian Dairy Conference always strived to bring the most relevant topics and exclusive speakers to the national dairy farming audience.
■For more information about the Australian Dairy Conference or to buy tickets, visit: www.australiandairyconference.com.au
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