Introducing AgriFutures Carbon Conversations: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Australian Rural Industries

As we embrace the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, it’s crucial that we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our rural industries.  

AgriFutures Australia Chair, Cathy McGowan AO and Managing Director, John Harvey are hosting AgriFutures Carbon Conversations to listening to the opportunities, challenges and solutions Australians have experienced as they strive towards a Net Zero Future.

“The AgriFutures Carbon Conversations offers a unique platform to discuss your insights on solutions like growing renewables, increasing electrification and energy efficiency, and developing a robust carbon capture, utilization and storage industry,” explained AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey.

“We want to engage with a broad range of Australians to gather an understanding of what strategies are working and what needs to be improved.

“This information is truly valuable to AgriFutures Australia as it will help to refine and develop targeted support strategies that address the specific needs of our vital rural industries,” said Mr Harvey.

AgriFutures Carbon Conversations are interactive sessions that will stimulate dynamic discussions to garner attendees perspectives and opinions on how Australian agricultural industries can achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“The AgriFutures Carbon Conversations are a part of our commitment to drive positive change and provide targeted support where it’s needed most,” said AgriFutures Australia’s new Chair, Cathy McGowan OA.

“To be able to do this effectively, we need to have thought-provoking conversations and harness the collective knowledge and expertise of our stakeholders who are on-the-ground.

“If you’re passionate about building a sustainable future for Australian agriculture, we encourage you to engage in one of these conversations,” said Ms McGowan.

AgriFutures Carbon Conversations are happening in various cities around Australia between June and August 2023.

To make sure your voice is heard, secure your spot at a session near you – see the dates below.

To register for an event, visit: https://agrifutures.eventsair.com/carbon-conversations/registration

Please note: registrations (including waitlists) for each session will close one week before the event date.

If registrations are exhausted for any of the event locations above, please add yourself to the waiting list so we can plan for venue increases or additional events.

If you have a suggestion for a regional location or any other questions regarding the AgriFutures Carbon Conversations, please email .

Hosting AgriFutures Carbon Conversations 

Cathy McGowan AO 
AgriFutures Australia Chair

Cathy is an experienced company director with an extensive career in business, agricultural research, development, extension and politics.

As a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program, Cathy committed to the vision of a “prosperous caring rural Australia alive with opportunities for everyone”.  She believes Agrifutures Australia is the premier national organisation for delivering on her commitment, particularly helping build a nation with effective rural policies based on prosperous and caring industries.

Prior to her role at AgriFutures Australia, her career highlights include representing the rural electorate of Indi in Parliament from 2013- 2019, president of the peak national organisation Australian Women in Agriculture, Chair of national Regional Women’s Advisory Council and a community representative at the 4th Ministerial meeting of the WTO in Doha.

Cathy lives in the Indigo Valley, Dudwroa & Dhargal country where the community groups play a vital role enhancing sustainability within the Murray Darling system.

BA., Dip Ed., Ma Ag and Rural Development, The Australian Rural Leadership Program- Graduate C 3, Churchill Fellow 1990, Doctor of letters (honoris causa) Western Sydney University, Officer in the Order of Australia 2004, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow La Trobe University

John Harvey 
AgriFutures Australia Executive Director and Managing Director

John Harvey joined AgriFutures Australia (formally RIRDC) in May 2016 as Managing Director. He accepted the challenge to set a new, more commercial direction for the organisation.

John aims to make AgriFutures Australia a change agent for transforming existing industries with new technologies and seeding new, high value industries that ensure Australian agriculture continues to grow.

Prior to this appointment, John held various positions at the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) spanning 18 years, including five years as Managing Director.

A graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John was a Director of Australian Crop Accreditation System Limited and a Director of the Value Added Wheat Cooperative Research Centre.

He has served on the boards of Pulse Breeding Australia, Barley Breeding Australia and the National Soybean Breeding Program. He was also a member of the Australian Winter Cereals Pre-Breeding Alliance and the CRC for Plant Based Management of Dryland Salinity.

BSc (Rural) Hons (University of New England), Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.