Rice industry focus on maximising productivity – from every grain

The rice industry is coming to Griffith! It has been announced that the 2023 Australian Rice Growers’ Conference will be held in Griffith, NSW on 10th and 11th August 2023. Originally planned for Canberra, this key event will now be held right in the rice growing region.

Hosted by Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA), SunRice Group and AgriFutures, the Conference is a highlight on every rice grower’s calendar, showcasing and celebrating its people and the best the industry has to offer.

Peter Herrmann, RGA President, underscored the value of the event, “Our conference provides an ideal platform for discussion and collaboration between all players in the industry, including rice growers, industry leaders, policy makers, local businesses and regional representatives, to help shape the future landscape of the Australian rice industry.”

A full program features engaging and innovative speakers and trade exhibits, offering those right across the rice industry valuable new insights and ideas.

Sessions will focus on adopting agtech, business risk management, tax and succession, as well as presentations that will examine the big picture economic outlook and challenges for the industry and an update from SunRice Group CEO, Rob Gordon.

The AgriFutures Rice Program will also be showcased in an RD&E Update, a researcher alley displaying current projects and the introduction of a raft of new projects.

Professor Richard Eckard, Professor and Director of the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre, University of Melbourne, will offer insights based on a wealth of experience and as a science advisor to the Australian, New Zealand and UK governments, and the UN FAO, on climate change adaptation, mitigation and policy development in agriculture.

Dr. Matt Herring will showcase what can be achieved when farming and wildlife work together and the positive outcomes for Bitterns on rice farms.

Mr Herrmann noted, “The rice industry encapsulates many of the opportunities for agriculture to deliver clean, nutritious food as well as local jobs and strong export earnings,” noted Mr Herrmann.

“The Australian rice industry is a global leader in water use efficiency and focuses research and innovation initiatives on activities that will enhance the sustainability of our industry.”

A selection of agriculture focused tours will add to the conference experience for delegates with an opportunity to experience the region’s innovation, water efficiency and production excellence in person.

Two tours are offered:

• Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, gain an insider’s look at Aquna’s hatchery ponds located in Bilbul where, using a land-based aquaculture model, Aquna has one of the lowest environmental footprints in their industry.
• Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI), see firsthand MI’s state of the art irrigation operations centre at the MI headquarters in Hanwood.

Both tours will converge at the award-winning Yarran Wines for a tour and tasting.

Friday will be a jam-packed day, kicking off early with the Women in Rice Breakfast at the Bull & Bell and wrapping up with the Gala Dinner, hosted by Rice Extension, which will celebrate the Rice Industry Awards, including the SunRice Grower of the Year. The Awards recognise innovation, new technology and the latest research outcomes being adopted in the rice industry.

“As one of the founding industries for many irrigation towns in the Riverina, rice is incredibly important to our whole region,” said Mr Herrmann.

“Since its establishment, the rice industry has employed thousands of people in regional communities right through the value chain.”

The industry makes a significant contribution to the economic prosperity of the region and communities across the Riverina, as well as the broader economy and export earnings. It’s estimated that every $1 of rice production equates to $4 in flow on economic activity.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming growers, policy makers, supply chain participants and industry service providers to Griffith for what I know will be a memorable few days, and I encourage people to jump in and register early for the conference,” said Mr Herrmann.

For more information or to register head to argconference.com.au

ENDS

Media contact:

Dee Wilkes-Bowes
Sauce Communications
0427 006 404