What is the Agribusiness Buzz?

Article by: Hari Yellina

As part of its animal welfare commitment, Andrew Forrest’s Harvest Road Group has entered the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. He claims that beef industry standards should aim for significantly greater levels of welfare than are now stated in guidelines or regulations, and that the sector should “seek reform around the world.” McDonald’s, Cargill, and Tyson Foods are among the main worldwide food processing and production companies represented at the roundtable, as are local entities such as Meat and Livestock Australia and the Cattle Council, as well as advocacy organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). “A future where beef is a trusted part of a vibrant food system in which the beef value chain is ecologically friendly, socially responsible, and commercially successful,” according to the GRSB.

Harvest Road, a beef and seafood producer and processor, is part of the mining tycoon Forrest family’s investment company, Tattarang. Mr. Forrest has spearheaded his own “No Agony, No Fear” campaign, which calls on the livestock industry to ensure that all animals in the animal protein supply chain are free of all unnecessary stress, pain, and fear. “Consumers have a right to know that what they’re eating isn’t the result of pain or fear.” Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Telstra CEO Andy Penn, Australian Banking Association CEO and former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, and chef and farmer Matt Moran are all scheduled to speak at the National Farmers Federation national convention next month.

Andrew Forrest, chairman of Fortescue Metals and Tattarang Investment Group; National Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Ruth Stewart; ABC chairwoman, Ita Buttrose; Cargill’s sustainability vice president Ben Fargher, and Macquarie Group’s Jock Whittle will all speak at the Canberra event on April 5 and 6. Farmers and members of supporting NFF organisations who are subsidising the full registration charge pay only $435 per seat, compared to $1300 per seat or $666 per day for ordinary registrations. All conference sessions, presentations, and displays at the National Convention Centre are included in the admission price, as well as one ticket to the conference cocktail event.