Exceptional Edge unveiled: AgriFutures evokeAG. 2024 underway

AgriFutures evoke^AG. 2024 opened its doors today, welcoming over 1,800 delegates to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Western Australia, to share, connect, and collaborate for the future of Australia’s agrifood tech industry.

evoke^AG. is the Asia Pacific region’s premier agrifood tech event, bringing the community together to explore how global agrifood tech innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, producers, and the natural resources which sustain them.

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, John Harvey, said AgriFutures was thrilled to be able to deliver its largest evoke^AG. to date in Perth and provide a platform to share ideas and build connections in pursuit of a more resilient, sustainable, and profitable agrifood sector and value chain.

“The 2024 event theme, ‘Exceptional Edge’, represents a relentless pursuit of innovation within the ag sector and across the Asia-Pacific region at a critical juncture in time,” Mr Harvey said.

“As we stand at the edge of complex challenges and exceptional opportunities, it has been fantastic to hear robust discussions on pivotal issues that demand innovative solutions, from feeding the world to addressing climate change and finite resource management, and to see some of the solutions that have the potential to address these.

“Beyond that, evoke^AG. is all about building connections. We provide a platform where those looking for investment, those wanting to collaborate and those looking for the next world changing technology are in the same room. That’s the magic of evoke^AG..

“My challenge to delegates: over the next two days cultivate relationships, thoughts and ideas which could enhance your work or your business. Nurture and grow them through collaboration, networking and sharing. And then, when this event is over, I ask that you commit to planting them into your business. For the future of Australian agriculture – we need to convert energy into action.

“We’re privileged to do so beside our Platinum Partner Elders, Host City Partner the Government of Western Australia, and Strategic Partner Business Events Perth, among others.

“Nothing will make you more excited about the future of Australia’s agrifood tech sector than being in the thick of it – we look forward to welcoming everyone back tomorrow.”

Host City Partner, the Government of Western Australia representative, the Western Australia Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forestry, Small Business, Jackie Jarvis MLC, said the talent and innovation displayed at evoke^AG. today was exceptional, and paints a positive picture about the future of agriculture, both in Western Australia and beyond.

“AgriFutures evoke^AG. serves as the epicentre for global agrifood tech collaboration. With Western Australia as its host, this premier event brings together leaders, farmers, inventors, researchers, investors, and more, catalysing innovation and change at the forefront of the sector. It’s been a privilege to host evoke^AG. 2024, and the suite of sideline events, in Western Australia,” Minister Jarvis said.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is driving a range of activities to support the event’s success in WA, including delivery of the evoke^AG. WA Side Event Funding Program, co-ordinating specialty events during the week which showcase WA industries and innovations; and facilitating a business matching program to support trade and investment prospects.

From the war on waste to mind-bending AI: Exceptional minds take to the stage

Day 1 of the program saw 48 national and international speakers from four countries, hit the stage.

It kicked off with climate change series host on ABC TV, Writer, Comedian and Master of Ceremonies, Craig Reucassel, welcoming delegates before taking a deep dive into Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) with keynote speaker, Tamang Ventures CEO, Nina Schick.

A world-leading authority on AI, and advocate of responsible AI development, Nina is the Founder of Tamang Ventures, working exclusively with companies at the frontier of AI development.

“AI is not about technology, it is about humanity. Generative AI will transform business, geopolitics, and humanity. Agriculture and food production is no exception. We are at the precipice of change and if you don’t take control and harness the ability of AI, businesses and industries risk falling behind,” Ms Schick said.

Exceptional partners and collaborations

For the fourth consecutive time, Elders has joined evoke^AG. 2024 as the Platinum Partner. Elders Managing Director and CEO, Mark Allison, said it’s a longstanding partnership that has galvanised over the years.

“AgriFutures evoke^AG. plays a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector by facilitating discussions and knowledge exchange. These interactions contribute to the development of emerging technologies and best practices, ensuring their practicality, profitability, and effectiveness,” Mr Allison said.

“We have continued our commitment to driving Australia’s agricultural and food production systems by supporting this year’s Perth event which is essential for the ongoing success and progression of the agricultural industry.”

evoke^AG. 2024 Strategic Partner Business Events Perth, CEO, Gareth Martin, said hosting the largest agrifood tech event in the Asia Pacific region not only positions Western Australia as a global leader in agrifood tech and innovation but also serves as a powerful promotion for Perth, driving the WA visitor economy.

“Hosting world-class events not only contributes to building our local economy but raises awareness about the prosperity of Perth and Western Australia to a global audience, and showcases the immense innovation and economic opportunities our state has to offer,” Mr Martin said.

Today’s star-studded program included a combination of highly engaging panel discussions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, and interactive opportunities. Keynote addresses included:

• Mind-bending AI: The edge of possibility – Nina Schick, Founder, Tamang Ventures – United Kingdom
• Innovating for good: How agrifood tech can digitise food supply chains and reduce food waste – Abi Ramanan, Food Systems Entrepreneur – United States
• Quantifying your emissions – Professor Richard Eckard, University of Melbourne

The fun will continue tomorrow with Day 2 of evoke^AG. seeing keynote addresses from two international industry titans, including Sirona Ventures Founder, Robyn O’Brien, and Hot or Cool Institute Managing Director, Dr Lewis Akenji. Access the full schedule here.

Check out the Day 1 highlight reel here.

This article was originally published on evokeag.com.