LIVEXforum 2016 promises to drive timely discussion and debate amongst livestock export industry representatives with a comprehensive conference program built around the theme of ‘Striking the social balance: Regulation, Accountability and Profitability’.
Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council CEO Simon Westaway said a wide array of livestock export stakeholders from across Australia and overseas will converge on Canberra’s QT Hotel on 26-27 October for the conference, which will be co-hosted with industry service provider LiveCorp.
“The conference will cover key industry issues, with guest speakers discussing advocacy, regulation, animal welfare and global food production,” Mr Westaway said.
One of the world’s leading animal welfare scientists, Professor David Mellor, is set to be a major attraction at the conference and will speak about new ways of thinking about animal welfare, incorporating themes such as ‘freedoms’, ‘provisions’, aligned ‘welfare aims’ and ‘lives worth living’.
Another leading animal welfare scientist, Dr Teresa Collins, will provide an update on how science-based measurements can inform and improve animal welfare through the livestock export industry’s research and development agenda.
RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil will participate in a panel discussion hosted by The Daily Telegraph’s rural reporter Samantha Townsend. The session, which will focus on addressing outrage in the community, will also include Consolidated Pastoral Company CEO Troy Setter, Australian Pork Limited CEO Andrew Spencer and risk communications expert Kelly Parkinson.
Turning to the market and profitability, experienced agribusiness litigator and adviser Dr Michael Maxwell will draw on his involvement with the livestock export industry in his presentation on how regulation impacts the live trade.
Competition in the farm sector will be addressed by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Agriculture Commissioner Mick Keogh, while Rabobank analyst Angus Gidley-Baird will share his insights into peak global food production and the dynamics of export supply chains.
“The LIVEXforum 2016 program reflects our industry’s commitment to ongoing reform and continuing to be a global leader in all facets of the livestock export supply chain. ALEC and LiveCorp look forward to hosting a lively and topical discussion about the opportunities and challenges facing our $2 billion industry,” Mr Westaway said.