AGIC 2022 will offer the industry a chance to get together over a two-day program and at social events including the first AGIC conference dinner since 2019. Photo: AGIC

THE latest analysis and insights into everything from grain pricing to the world’s changing geopolitical landscape will be up for discussion at the annual Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC).

Being held in Melbourne’s Crown Promenade on July 27-28, the in-person and virtual platform will connect delegates under the theme Growing With Grain.

Hosted by Grain Trade Australia (GTA), Pulse Australia and the Australian Oilseeds Federation, next month’s event will be AGIC’s first face to face since 2019 and will allow delegates to meet or reconnect in person.

Two of the hottest topics headlining the AGIC program involve the changing geopolitical landscape, including the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and export pricing of Australian grain.

“The situation in Ukraine is really tragic and poses a significant threat to global food supply chains,” GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy said.

“No-one in the global grain industry has ever had to contend with this situation and disruption, and it is important for everyone involved in the grain industry to understand the implications and ramifications of this situation.

“We will have expert speakers at AGIC on geo-political risks, and directly from Ukraine.”

Speaking on the topic of Black Sea – Grain Market Implications and Global Food Security will be Ukraine Grain Association president Nikolay Gorbachov.

Professor John Blaxland. Photo: ANU

To add a localised perspective, an address from ANU Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies John Blaxland will provide a geopolitical SWOT analysis for Australia.

The two-day program embraces a range of topics, many of them future-focussed, and will conclude with the Price Discovery of Australian Exports session.

Mr O’Shannassy said this has been included to address concerns held by some about the relativity of Australian and international grain values.

“While local prices are generally historically high, there has been some angst about price relativities.

“We thought as an industry that we should talk about this, including the underlying factors and constraints, and why not in an open forum like AGIC.”

Participants are looking forward to getting together for the in-person event.  

“Being able to meet and engage with the people you do business with builds confidence and strengthens trust, which are the building blocks of facilitating efficient trade,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

“The value of the networking opportunities provided by AGIC became really apparent when they were taken away by the pandemic.”

Early-bird rates are available until July 4, and the full program and registration can be accessed via the AGIC 2022 website.

Other AGIC 2022 speakers include:

• Catherine Birch: senior economist, ANZ;
• Erin Burns: head of risk management, Mauri;
• Dr Jared Greenville; executive director, ABARES;
• Nigel Hart: managing director, GRDC;
• David Johnson: CEO, Emerald Grain;
• Zsolt Kocza: managing director South Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and New Zealand,  Cargill;
• Ben Macnamara; CEO, CBH Group;
• Stefan Meyer: cash broker, StoneX;
• Emma Weston: CEO, AgriDigital.

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