The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) National Congress 2018
will be held in Canberra at the Australian Institute of Sport Arena on Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 October 2018.
To register for the Congress, click the button below.
The NFF 2018 National Congress theme is Diversify.
The program will highlight how diverse thinking can shape the farm sector’s future in a range of areas, including:
Our Leaders
Farming and political leaders will share their thoughts on the industry’s challenges and opportunities. We will also explore how we pave the way for greater diversity in agricultural leadership – from the farm table to the world stage.
Our Global Markets
Global forces have a profound ability to impact Australian agriculture. Congress 2018 will examine global conditions, and how policies which diversify everything from our export markets to our capital sources, can place us on a strong footing for the future.
Our People
People with new backgrounds and skills are continually reshaping our industry and the communities it supports. We’ll look at how we can harness the energy and ideas of new participants.
Our Farms
Our competitive edge relies on embracing diverse new business, farm management and environmental stewardship practices. We’ll uncover the latest research and technology aimed at making our farms more efficient and sustainable.
Who Should Attend?
If your or your organisation’s prospects will be defined by the future of Australian agriculture, then it’s time to register for the NFF Congress.
In the audience will be:
- Farmers
- Agricultural Industry Suppliers
- Agribusiness specialists
- Government representatives
- Ministers and Policy Advisors
Our Speakers
Program
| Wednesday 17 October 2018 | ||
| 8:00am 8:50am 08:55am 09:15am 9:25am 9:55am 10:20am 10:30am | Registrations Open Acknowledgement of Country by NFF CEO, Mr Tony Mahar. Introduction by NFF CEO, Mr Tony Mahar Address by the Hon David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources MC Introduction: Ms Catherine Marriott Keynote Address by Ms Fiona Simson, NFF President Keynote Address by Mr Daryl Quinlivan, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Keynote Address by Mr Anthony Pratt, Visy Address by Bronze Coffee Cart Sponsor Mr Travis Dillon, RuralCo | |
| 10:35am | Morning Tea Address by Ms Brianna Casey, Foodbank | |
| 11:15am | Theme 1: Out of the box businesses Meet the entreprenuers who have embraced out of the box thinking to grow vibrant regional businesses right around Australia. Panel Session 1: Moderator: Sue Neales, The Australian Ms Olympia Yarger, Founder & CEO , Goterra Mr Charles Coventry, President, AgEdge Ms Rachel Hinkley, WT Farmer of the Year Ms Susan Jenkin, Ironbark Citrus | |
| 12:25pm 12:30pm 12:33pm 1:05pm | Address by Joerg Ellmanns- Bayer Australia Ltd National Agriculture Day - Ms Laureta Wallace, NFF Lunch Break Address by Gold Sponsor, Mr Tim O'Leary, Telstra | |
| 1:20pm | Theme 2: Leading for inclusion Some of Australia's most respected leaders share their insights on how championing inclusion can deliver tangible benefits to any organisation. Panel Session 2: Moderator: Katharine Murphy, The Guardian Ms Kirsty Richards, Sun Pork Solutions Dr Skye Saunders, Australian National University Ms Tracey Hayes, Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association Mr Troy Setter, Consolidated Pastoral Company | |
| 2:05pm 2:15pm | Keynote Address by: Mr Gavin Smith, President, Bosch Australia Theme 3: Tech talk: unpacking the future of Aussie agtech Hear from some of Australia's leading technologists on what the farm sector's digital future may hold - from robotics, to blockchain, to cutting edge connectivity options. Panel Session 3: Moderator: Andrew Lai Mr Peter Gurney, NBN Co Dr Salah Sukkarieh, Centre for Field Robotics, Uni of Sydney Ms Emma Weston, Founder, AgriDigital Ms Sarah Nolet, AgThentic Mr Warren Jennings, Telstra | |
| 3:20pm 3:30pm 3:50pm | Address by Silver Sponsor: McDonald's Australia Afternoon Tea Keynote address by: Mr Luke Bowen, NT Department of Trade, Business and Innovation Balancing the political, economic and social aspects of ag and diversity | |
| 4:05pm | Mr Jaymes Boland-Rudder, Head of Government and Community Relations, NRL | |
| 4:30pm | Theme 4: Talking 2030 This year the National Farmers’ Federation hit the road for Talking 2030, to hear what our industry’s best and brightest think will accelerate our industry’s growth to $100 billion. The result is our 2030 Roadmap which identifies opportunities for growth and key trends which will shape the industry in the coming decade. In this session our panel will unpack what we’ve learned, and how we keep the industry on a sustainable growth trajectory. Moderator: Mr Bryce Ives Mr Ben Van Delden, KPMG Mr Tim O’Leary, Telstra Mr John Harvey, Agrifutures Australia Mr Richard Heath, Australian Farm Institute Ms Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers' Federation | |
| 5:05pm | Keynote: Scott Reardon Paralympian Wrap up by Congress MC / update on live polling | |
| 5:30pm 6:00pm | Congress Concludes Buses depart AIS, and arrive at National Museum of Australia Official Congress Cocktail Event, National Museum First bus departs Museum at 9pm. 2nd bus departs 9:30pm to hotels | |
| Thursday 18 October 2018 | ||
| 6:45am | Buses depart for AIS | |
| 7:15am | Breakfast available in the Exhibition area | |
| 7:45 | Keynote by the Prime
Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP | |
| 8:00am 9:10am 9:35am 10:00am 10:45am | Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program graduation In conversation with Brett Worthington, ABC National Rural Reporter Keynote address by: Mr Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Keynote address by: Dr Bob Reiter, Global Head of R&D, Bayer Crop Science Theme 5: Growing sustainably Can Australian agriculture fulfil its growth ambitions, while lightening our environmental footprint, meeting the community's animal welfare expectations, and ensuring a positive work experience for our labour force? Panel Session 5: Moderator: Gabrielle Chan, The Guardian Australia Dr Wendy Craik, EPBC Review Mr Richard Norton, Meat & Livestock Australia Mr Steve Lacey, AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd Address by morning tea sponsor: Ridley | |
| 10:50am 11:10am 11:30am | Morning Tea Theme 6: Australia's Response to Drought The current drought conditions continue to challenge our farmers. The tough times have brought out the best in Australians and confirmed the special place farming has in the hearts of all Aussies. Charities such as the Country Women’s Association and the Need for Feed are translating the donations of generous Australians into the help farmers need to. Both State and Federal Governments have announced support measures including the appointment of a national drought coordinator. Moderator: Catherine Marriot Major Gen. Stephen Day, Drought Coordinator Danica Leys, CWA NSW Graham Cockerell, Need for Feed Mr Michael Every, Head of Financial Markets Research, Asia-Pacific, Rabobank | |
| 11:55am | Theme 6: Global Approach Global forces have a profound ability to impact Australian agriculture. Congress 2018 will examine global conditions, and how policies which diversify everything from our export markets to our capital sources, can place us on a strong footing for the future. Panel Session 6 - Our Global approach Moderator: Ms Georgie Aley, KPMG Mr Michael Every, Head of Financial Markets Research, Asia-Pacific, Rabobank Ms Feyi Akindoyeni, Newgate Communications Mr John Colley, Managing Director of Australian Wool Network Mr Michael Every, Head of Financial Markets Research, Asia-Pacific, Rabobank Louise van Meurs, First Assistant Secretary , Trade and Market Access Division | |
| 12:45pm 12:55pm 1:05pm 1:45pm | Address by Mr Greg Sutherland,
Australia Post Address by Bronze Lunchtime sponsor: Mr Don Heatley OAM, Chair of the Commission for International Agricultural Research Lunch Break KPMG Traceability Demonstration, Laszlo Peter, Head of Blockchain Services | |
| 2:00pm 2:35pm | Conversations with Prime Super, Mr Lachlan Baird Introduction to the Building Trust session, Mr Tony Mahar, CEO, NFFTheme 7: Building Trust Consumers across the world are increasingly interested about the story behind their food and fibre. They need to trust that the sheep, cow or pig they are eating was raised ethically and that the cereal, fruit and vegetables on their plate was grown in a social and environmentally responsible way. With the way farmers go about their business under the spotlight, how do we maintain and build trust and ultimately, agriculture’s social licence to operate? Panel Session 7 - Building Trust Moderator: Catherine Marriott Mr Andrew Spencer, CEO, Australian Pork Limited Ms Carissa Buckland, Corporate Engagement Lead, Bayer Ms Lisa Sharp, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Meat & Livestock Australia Mr Cameron Morse, FTI Consulting | |
| 3:50pm 4:00pm | Concluding statement from NFF President Congress Concludes | |
Our Sponsors
SPONSORS / EXHIBITORS
The NFF Congress is the major biennial event for the NFF and the premier national policy forum for the agricultural sector.Held in Canberra in October 2018, Congress will bring farmers from all over Australia together with highly respected speakers, decision-makers, agribusinesses and representative bodies for a two-day event to explore key issues, developments, opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture.In making a commitment to become a sponsor and/or an exhibitor, you will be assured of high-profile exposure, both at the Congress and in Congress-related promotion activities.To discuss the opportunities available, please contact Amanda Tankey on 02 6269 5660.
GOLD SPONSORS
Silver SPONSORS
bronze SPONSORS
Media partner
EXHIBITOR
Accommodation
Hotel Realm (5 star)
18 National Circuit, Canberra ACT 2600
Located in the elegant suburb of Barton, on the footsteps of Parliament House. Hotel Realm is contemporary in design and conceived for the corporate business.
A 3-minute drive from the Parliament House, the luxurious Hotel Realm features a spa, a health club and 5 restaurants on site. It offers a 25 m lap pool, sauna facilities and rooms with a Nespresso coffee machine.
Burbury Hotel (4.5 star)
Burbury Cl, Barton ACT 2600
This upscale modern hotel is a 2-minute walk from the National Circuit bus stop, 1.5 km from Parliament House and 1.6 km from the National Gallery of Australia.
Sleek rooms with minimalist decor also have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and CD/DVD players, plus minibars and desks. Suites add balconies, living rooms, dining areas and full kitchens, plus washer/dryers.
Apartments are also available for longer stays.There are 2 Asian restaurants, plus an airy breakfast room, a trendy bar/lounge, an industrial-chic cafe and a rooftop terrace. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a lap pool and a sauna, plus a spa and a salon.
Little National (4 star)
21 National Circuit Barton ACT 2600
This hip hotel, set next to a bus stop in Canberra's Realm Precinct, is 1.4 km from Parliament House and 1.6 km from the National Gallery of Australia.
The modern, airy rooms have dark-wood features and minimal decor. They feature free Wi-Fi and smart TVs with satellite channels, plus Nespresso machines, tea-making facilities and minibars.
The en-suite bathrooms have rainfall showerheads.There's a lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows and fireplaces, as well as a library. Other amenities include 24/7 reception and access to a sister property's fitness centre, spa and restaurant/bars across the street.
Brassey Hotel (4 star)
Belmore Gardens & Macquarie St, Barton ACT 2600
Among gardens in the suburb of Barton, this sophisticated redbrick hotel dates back to the 1920s. It's a 2-minute walk from the restaurants of the Realm Precinct and 1.8 km from Parliament House.
Traditional rooms and suites feature free high-speed Internet access and flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars and desks. Suites add separate living areas, and some have balconies. Room service is available.
Breakfast
Buffet Breakfast is available at $20.00 per day, per person. This can be organised at check in.
- Parking Cost: $15.00 per 24 hours
- Rollaway Beds: $30.00 per night
- Wi-Fi Complimentary for all guests throughout the hotel
Please note that cancellations will be accepted until 20th September. After this date your accommodation is non-refundable. NFF and Event Travel Management are not liable for any accommodation costs.
For more information about accommodation contact Event Travel Management at nff@eventsctm.com
Venue & Event Information
CONGRESS VENUE
“Dream, Inspire, Excel, Achieve…..”
The Australian Institute of Sport will host the 2018 National Farmers’ Federation Congress in The Arena.
Nothing brings a group together quite like sport, and coming off the back of the Olympic Games, what better place to gather for this year’s Congress than the AIS Arena - a place that quite simply inspires you to achieve, dream and excel.
The Arena will be transformed into separate Conference and Information zones, providing a unique space with state of the art facilities.
You’ll enjoy plenty of room to network and engage with fellow delegates. With ample free on-site parking, the Australian Institute of Sport is located on Leverrier Crescent in Bruce – 8.5km from the City Centre or a 12 minute drive. Coach transfers will be organised for delegates staying at the Congress Hotels.
So be inspired and achieve your dreams of excellence……join us at this year’s National Farmers’ Federation Congress at The AIS Arena.
WELCOME FUNCTION
The National Museum of Australia will host the 2018 National Farmers’ Federation Welcome Function.
A unique cocktail style event that will showcase the diversity of the local Canberra region produce and the Farmers that produce it.
Coach transfers to and from the venue will be provided from the Congress Hotels.
Additional tickets for partners or guests of delegates can be purchased for $120 each which includes food, beverages and entertainment.These can be booked at time of registration.
Date: Wednesday 17 October, 2018.
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Venue: National Museum of Australia
Address: Lawson Cres, Acton, ACT, 2601
Registrations for the National Farmers' Federation Congress 2018 are now open!
To register for the Congress, click the button below.
Congress 2018 - Registration Fees
Corporate/Government Early Bird - $990.00
Early Bird Discounted Rate is applicable if you register on or before Friday, 14 September 2018
Day 1 only - $700.00
Day 2 only - $700.00
Corporate/Government - $1250.00
Full Rate fees are applicable when received on or after Saturday, 15 September 2018
Day 1 only - $850.00
Day 2 only - $850.00
Members - $450.00
The Member rate applies to individuals who are current members of Farming Organisations listed in the drop-down menu.
Member Day 1 only - $350.00
Member Day 2 only - $350.00
Registration Inclusions
- Admission to all Congress sessions
- Admission to the Innovation, Technology, Products and Services Showcase
- Access to all Congress presentations
- Morning / afternoon teas and lunch daily
- Cocktail event at the National Museum
- Wireless internet access
- Coach transfers between the Congress hotels and the AIS
- Coach transfers between the Congress hotels and the National Museum
- Name badge and other Conference collateral
- Excellent networking and learning opportunities with access to agricultural industry leaders
Amendment / Cancellation Fees: We are unable to provide a refund to you until we receive the funds from the relevant supplier. Amended or cancelled bookings will incur charges. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Event Travel Management(ETM) reserves the right to charge cancellation fees over and above those charged by wholesalers, tour operators, airlines, cruise companies, etc.
Cancellations must be submitted to Event Travel Management via email. Cancellation charges are calculated in Australian. The cancellation charges are as follows.