evokeAG

The startup ecosystem can be a brutal realm. The ability to think outside the box, pivot, dream big, spend small and negotiate change is really only the tip of the iceberg. Olympia Yarger, founder and CEO of Goterra and Sally-Ann Williams, CEO of Cicada Innovation not only have taken this challenges head on, but thrived. However, is it what it seems? In this episode our contributor Jayne Cuddihy asked Olympia and Sally-Ann everything from developing the deep tech sector in Australia, to the realities of being a female founder. This series was recorded live at evokeAG 2024 in Perth and explores the exceptional edge of agrifood tech innovation and a relentless pursuit of innovation at a critical juncture in time. We can't wait to see you all on 18-19 February 2024 in Brisbane, Queensland. evokeag.com

The evokeAG event may have only just wrapped up in Perth for another year, but planning is already underway for next year’s premier agrifood innovation event. And where else, but Queensland? The Sunshine State. AgriFutures Australia is excited to be taking evokeAG to Brisbane in February 2025 with the support of Platinum Partner Elders, Host City Partner Brisbane Economic Development Agency and the Host State Partner Queensland Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The event will continue to connect the agrifood innovation community from Australia, across the Asia Pacific region and around the world. In this episode our contributor Jayne Cuddihy sat down with Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur Julia Spicer and Salvo Vitelli from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. We can't wait to see you all on 18-19 February 2024 in Brisbane, Queensland. evokeag.com

Did you know that wheat genes are five times more complex than a human's? Innovation knows no world boundaries and there’s no better example than how Australia's first gene edited wheat variety is being developed. Tress Walmsley is the CEO of Intergrain, one of the leaders in cereal breeding in Australia, and has been working closely with Ponsi Trivisvavet, the CEO of Inari which is a seed design company using predictive design and advanced multiplex gene editing to unlock the full potential of seed, based out of the USA. Our contributor Jayne Cuddihy joined them in conversation live at evokeAG 2024. We can't wait to see you all on 18-19 February 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland. evokeag.com

With a showcase lineup of speakers at evokeAG 2024, the event highlighted Asia Pacific’s exceptional edge to the world, helping delegates find their cutting edge. Centre stage was Nina Schick, a pioneering artificial intelligence expert, exploring how the emerging field of artificial intelligence will change humanity. In this episode she joins Phil Morle in conversation with our contributor Jayne Cuddihy. Phil is a Partner at Main Sequence Ventures, an Australian based venture capital firm attached to the CSIRO. This series was recorded live at evokeAG 2024 in Perth and explores the relentless pursuit of innovation in the Asia-Pacific region at a critical juncture in time.

The food and beverage sector is Australia’s largest manufacturing industry, worth more than $132 billion, accounting for 32% of total manufacturing turnover, and employing more than 270,000 people. Yet, the advent of COVID-19, rising climate volatility and geopolitical tensions, have underscored the imperative for more resilient and innovative food systems. A recent opportunity listed on AgriFutures growAG sought to identify forward-thinking startups, SMEs or large companies with innovative solutions that can deliver ‘really clear benefits’ to Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector. In this bonus episode, contributor Samantha Noon sat down with Dr Chris Downs, Founding Director of Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), to discuss the launch of their $20M second investment round developed to take Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector forward. Watch the webinar recording of FaBA's Accelerator Second Investment Round Launch here: https://faba.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023.08-Second-Investment-Round-Launch_FINAL.m4v

Have you ever heard of the concept of a digital twin? In this episode we’re hearing from Stu Adam, one of the Co-Founders of Agronomeye. Agronomeye is a business that creates incredibly detailed maps and models of farms, helping landowners and managers understand what's going on across their property so they can make better decisions. As an entrepreneur in the purest sense of the word, CEO Stu Adam has a background in journalism and admits he was more into surfing than agriculture. Perhaps it’s his ability to adapt that’s seen him revolutionise aerial mapping. We hope you enjoy this conversation with Stu and evokeAG contributor, Jayne Cuddihy. You can learn more about Agronomeye at evokeag.com or its website agronomeye.com.au. evokeAG. 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Tickets are now on sale for evokeAG 2024 to be held on on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. We hope to see you in Perth, however in the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 at evokeag.com.

Adam Anders is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Anterra Capital, a venture capital fund focussing on investing in innovative companies that are transforming the safety, security and sustainability of global food. Having grown up on a farm in South Australia, Adam has lived the highs and lows of any budding entrepreneur, but admits it’s given him a unique insight into all facets of the sometimes gruelling process. Now, at the helm of his company Anterra, he is committed to building a healthier food system right across the world. Our contributor, Jayne Cuddihy, sat down with Adam at evokeAG 2023 to talk about what motivates him and how he plans to stay on top. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Early Bird tickets are now on sale for evokeAG 2024 which will be held on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agritech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Finding world-leading agrifood research expertise, and research, investment and commercialisation opportunities easily, let alone in one easy-to-use location, has always been a challenge – until AgriFutures growAG. growAG is helping to connect its users, researchers, investors, innovators, thought leaders and commercial partners from around Australia and across the globe with agrifood innovation, expertise and opportunities. By shortening the time it can take to find and connect with strategic partners, its’ helping increase dealflow and drive value on-farm through the development and adoption of game changing technologies. In this episode, we’re bringing you a conversation recorded live at evokeAG 2023 around accelerating commercialisation with AgriFutures growAG. Professor Craig Baille, the former Head of School and Dean for Agriculture and Environmental Science from the University of Southern Queensland and Fern Ho, the Co-founder and CEO of Leaf Protein Co have both used the platform with tremendous success. Listen to their stories, together with insights from John Harvey - the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia. For more information on the growAG platform, including more success stories and current investment opportunities, please visit growag.com.

As the transition from fossil fuels to renewables gathers pace globally, we brought together different perspectives in a breakout session at evokeAG 2023 in Adelaide. From those who’ve commercialised renewable fuels on a large scale, to the challenges of sustaining biofuels at a local level, our panellists shared the challenges and opportunities in the production and application of sustainable fuel sources. Before the live recording of the discussion, evokeAG contributor, Jayne Cuddihy, sat down with Cassian Drew, Managing Partner at Acclimate Partners, and Steven Hobbs, a farm owner and manager who is a passionate user and producer of alternative fuels, to find out a bit more about how they are contributing to the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Cassian and Steven were joined in the panel discussion by Jennifer Lauber- Patterson, Managing Director Frontier Impact Group. Their conversation was facilitated by Oli Madgett, Co-Organiser, Agritech Meetup SA. Visit evokeag.com for more on this session, and other Panel discussions at evokeAG 2023. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

With an expected two billion extra people to feed by 2050, coupled with changing tastes and dietary preferences, there is a growing global demand for more protein, produced more sustainably and from a wider variety of sources. So how, as a global community are we going to achieve that? In this episode we’re exploring what it will take to satisfy the growing global appetite for protein. The panel discussion recorded live at evokeAG 2023 includes Professor Michelle Colgrave, the Deputy Director (Impact), Agriculture and Food, CSIRO, David Jochinke, Vice President, National Farmers’ Federation, Dr Steven Lapidge, CEO, Fight Food Waste and Anthony Stewart, CEO, Thomas Foods International. Their conversation is facilitated by Dr Aparna Venkatesh, the Collaborative Innovation Lead for the Bühler Group. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Globally, research and investment into biological solutions to improve soil and plant health is accelerating exponentially. As regulators around the world seek to reduce the application of chemical pesticides, farmers and growers are looking at biological alternatives to protect plants from diseases, pests, and weeds, or to improve the health of their plants. This workshop, recorded live at evokeAG 2023 looks at the global landscape for biologicals development and application and explores the opportunities it offers to researchers, entrepreneurs and investors. In this episode we hear from Ben Barlow, Managing Director, New Edge Microbials, Ethy Levy, Managing Partner, Kinneret Impact Ventures and Dr Kioumars Ghamkhar from the Margot Forde Forage Germplasm Centre - New Zealand’s national seed bank of grassland plants. The conversation was moderated by Peter Wren-Hilton, Co-Founder and CEO, Wharf 42 and Co-Convenor of the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 at evokeag.com.

How does an engineer end up crystal ball gazing for next gen plant breeding on a global scale? By thinking outside the box of course! In this episode we’re hearing from Alexander Tokarz, the head of group strategy for Syngenta Group. Based in Basel, Switzerland, he’s responsible for the company’s long-term growth strategy and business development. His presentation at evokeAG inspired attendees to think about the potential of next gen plant breeding and how it can be used to create a more sustainable and secure world and help humanity grow. But as he told our contributor Jayne Cuddihy, his role at Syngenta over the last 20 years is a far cry from his original training as an engineer. We hope you enjoy their conversation. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Clean and green is to New Zealand, what the Emerald Isle is to Ireland and what innovation is to Israel. These countries have built brand identities and entire markets on leveraging their unique strengths and stories. In this episode we’re bringing you three presentations recorded live at evokeAG 2023 from David Downs, CEO of New Zealand Story, Shifka Seigel, Project Manager, Israel Australian Chamber of Commerce, and Mary Shelman, Founder of the Shelman Group. What can Australia learn from these international powerhouses about how to position our producers and innovators on the world stage to deliver direct benefits across the entire supply chain? We hope you enjoy this session evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Uber and Airbnb turned two conventional industries on their heads. How did they do it? Using software that allows two applications to talk to each other. Now it’s agriculture’s turn. In this episode we're bringing you a workshop " Data as a second language: understanding what your farm is saying to you" recorded at evokeAG 2023. Here Andrew Skinner, Director of More Than Machines, and Andrew Cooke , Co-Founder and Managing Director, Rezare Systems showcased the possibilities and benefits of connecting data to create new business models and operating efficiencies for producers and companies alike, in what they’ve coined the ‘Internet of Agrifood’. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here

Australia's rural industries face increasing community expectations on a range of issues including environmental management, labour workforce conditions and acceptance of new technologies. Achieving the sector's $100 billion production goal by 2030, requires a pipeline of talented and committed people- the lifeblood of our rural industries. Dr Kieren Moffat is the CEO and Co- Founder Voconiq- a data science and community engagement company, tasked with breaking down the barriers of explaining how Australia’s rural industries can cope with increasing community expectations on a range of issues, including environmental management, labour workforce conditions, and acceptance of new technologies. We hope you enjoy his presentation recorded live at evokeAG 2023. For more on this project visit agrifutures.com.au. Save the date for evokeAG. 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG. 2023 here.

Self-driving tractors, seed planting robots and agricultural drones are all putting new technology and better outcomes in the hands of our producers. This episode is a panel discussion recorded live at evokeAG 2023. The companies making it happen and the producers using the tech come together to share what’s in the market right now, what’s to come, and to discuss at what point does autonomous agriculture start to pay for itself on-farm? The panel features Professor Craig Baillie, Head of School and Dean Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Southern Queensland, Andrew Bate, the CEO and Co-Founder, SwarmFarm Robotics, Ben Kelly, the Production Systems Manager – Production and Precision Ag, John Deere, and Robert Hardie, the Executive Manager - Health and Agriculture at nbn™ Australia. Their conversation is facilitated by Jackie Poyser, CEO and Managing Director, Three60 Consulting. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Until recently there wasn’t a single Australian venture capital firm focussed on agritech. Today, there are multiple players. In this episode we explore two very different experiences - an Australian company that has leveraged government incentives and local funding, and an international company seeking local backing to enter the Australian and New Zealand marketplace. Justin Webb, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, of AgriWebb facilitated this conversation and was joined by Phil Morle, Partner in Main Sequence Ventures, Kristi Riordan, the Co-founder & CEO of Harvest B, Saar Safra, Founder and CEO of Beewise and Robert Williams, Director, Artesian. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

It wasn't so long ago that space exploration was a pipe dream, but now in 2023, we're talking about the very real applications it has for Australian agriculture. Recorded live at evokeAG 2023, this panel discussion takes a deep dive into the future of agri space tech. With a focus on research and development, potential ground-breaking applications and new ways of working, you'll hear from innovators about how this technology can be leveraged better here on earth, to support more sustainable and profitable farming practices. It features Stephanie Wan, Space Industry Practice, Lead for the Adelaide Office, KPMG Australia and Devon Long, General Manager of ANZ, Regrow. The discussion is facilitated by Charlie Peel, a rural reporter with The Australian. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

Australia and New Zealand's land-based agricultural industries have set ambitious sustainability targets for the future. In this episode we’ve got a reality check- looking beyond sustainability frameworks in agriculture, industry experts share the realities of their progress beyond frameworks and targets, what keeps them up at night, and how producers can be part of the solution. Involved in this conversation is Michael Anderson, Head of Sustainability, GrainCorp, Bridgit Hawkins, Chief Sustainability Officer, CropX, and Anna Speer, Managing Director, Greenstock- Woolworths Group’s stand-alone red meat business. The panel is facilitated by The Australian’s Rural Reporter, Charlie Peel. evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.

In this episode we’re uncovering the secret sauce to commercialisation- bringing together the key ingredients needed to transform agricultural technology from startup to fully fledged commercial player. Syngenta is a provider of plant health solutions and Pairtree Intelligence is a data integrator - together their aligned partnership is adding value to farmers. In this session from evokeAG fifth-generation farmer and CEO of Pairtree Intelligence, Hamish Munro and Brett Hofman, Head of Business Development, Syngenta Australia and New Zealand share some of the ingredients in their "secret sauce". evokeAG 2023 examined how global agrifood innovation and tech intersect to drive change for our food, farmers, and the natural resources which sustain them. Save the date for evokeAG 2024 on 20-21 February 2024 in Perth, Western Australia. In the meantime catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from evokeAG 2023 here.