Field robotics coming to a farm near you

The use of robots for farming is not science fiction. Sydney University Professor Salah Sukkarieh and guest speaker at the 2013 Global Access Partners Summit explains why.

Vision needed for farming to be next mining boom

What needs to be done for food producers and processors to thrive and prosper? John Brady CEO of the country's largest tomato processing company KAGOME Australia and speaker at the GAP National Economic Review 2013 shares his vision.

A new global food market: trends and opportunities for Australia

Austrade CEO Bruce Gosper delivered the keynote address at the IV Global Access Partners National Economic Review: Australia’s Annual Growth Summit dinner on Thursday 19 September 2013. He outlines how economic and democratic factors in the developing world are creating a new global market for food. 

Facing the realities of future farming

There are many uncertainties around food production. Ahead of today's Global Access Partners 2013 Annual Growth Summit, Summit Executive Manager Lisa Middlebrook shares her thoughts on what needs to be done to make farming a top priority.

Why agricultural productivity depends on food sustainability

Agricultural productivity growth has declined significantly over the last 60 years despite strong increases in demand. Laura Eadie explains the importance of food sustainability and how the issue should be tackled.

Sustainable cattle farming

The biggest challenge of modern cattle farming is to be sustainably profitable. Kylie Schooley gives a first-hand account of the work on her grazing business at Rocky Springs in Queensland.

Australians and their food

Australia has a strict regime of pesticides and their use, which food importers don’t have to comply with. Jim Pratley, Professor of Agriculture at Charles Sturt University, urges all Australians to stand up for their local food supply.

Sustainable agriculture and the culture of control

Traditional agriculture is dominated by a need to control natural systems. Anthony Waugh explains how sustainable agriculture aims to let go of this mindset of control and works with natural systems to encourage diversity and increase the resilience and fertility of the land.

Global food security – play to the rescue

Crop losses due to plant pests and diseases have a huge impact on global food security. Jonathan Marshall from Bondi Labs introduces the Plant Doctor Game, an educational video game that trains local agricultural workers in developing countries to diagnose destructive crop health damage.

Grow it Local

There is a noticeable shift towards sustainable food production as part of a local real food movement. Jess Miller from Grow it Local talks about her campaign that encourages people to connect with their local community and become urban farmers.

On the death of farming as we know it

The demand for animal products has increased dramatically in the last forty years, resulting in a rise of multinational corporations dominating the global meat and dairy trade. Emmanuel Giuffre, Legal Counsel for the animal protection institute Voiceless, argues that the suffering of animals in intensive meat production systems needs to stop.

Ensure food security now and in the future

Food productivity in Australia has consistently increased since the early days of agricultural production. Weed scientist Professor Deirdre Lemerle says there is still potential for sustainable growth.