We are very excited to come together and discuss the opportunities and challenges for sustainability in agriculture, both within Australian and internationally. A finalised agenda is now available for the Exchange, bringing together a diverse group of leaders from across Australia’s agricultural sector.
Speakers
Our speakers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in policy development, agribusiness, international trade and market access, playing critical roles in ensuring Australia’s agricultural industries remain competitive and sustainable on a global scale.
Hon Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Following election of the Albanese Labor Government, Anthony was appointed by the Prime Minister as the Assistant Minister for Education and the Assistant Minister for Regional Development. He was later also appointed the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Anthony grew up on the northside of Brisbane attending Wavell State High School. Prior to being elected, Anthony has had an active role in Queensland politics serving as Queensland Labor State Secretary between 2008 and 2014, before taking on the role of Campaign Director for the 2015 Queensland State Election.
Anthony attended Griffith University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. Anthony was elected to the Senate in 2016 and then re-elected in 2022.
Charlie Thomas
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
National Farmers Federation
Charlie is Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the National Farmers’ Federation. Charlie helps establish partnerships with likeminded organisations to enhance our advocacy and initiatives, as well as guiding campaign strategy and online communications.
Raised on a farm near Condobolin, NSW, Charlie started his working life with a prominent law firm before pursuing a career in political advocacy.
David Jochinke
President
National Farmers Federation
David, commonly referred to as ‘DJ’, is a third generation dryland mixed farmer. DJ operates his family’s property at Murra Warra in the Wimmera, Victoria, producing various broadacre crops and finishing prime lambs. He has been heavily involved at all levels of farmer advocacy since finishing his Diploma of Applied Science (Ag Services) at Longerenong College. DJ was elected as President of the National Farmers’ Federation in October 2023 after serving as Vice President and Director for numerous years.
DJ is a past recipient of a Nuffield Australia Scholarship and Australian Rural Leadership Program and is an active contributor to his local community.
Angela Schuster
Managing Director
Schuster Consulting Group
Angela is the Managing Director of Schuster Consulting Group and a member of the cross-functional team responsible for delivering projects under the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework. Angela is Chair of the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and Standards Australia’s technical committee on data-driven agrifood systems and was previously the Australian representative for the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Strategic Advisory Group on Smart Farming.
In addition, Angela and her husband run a sheep, cattle and cropping enterprise just out of Dubbo in the Central West of NSW.
Sanjay Boothalingam
Director, Southeast Asia
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Sanjay is Director of Southeast Asia, Trade and International Division, of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Sanjay has been a leader in the Australian public sector since 2000, overseeing national regulatory programs in biosecurity, human health, compliance and foreign investment. Currently, he is the Director for Southeast Asia in DAFF’s Trade and International Division, following his role as Agriculture Counsellor in Kuala Lumpur (2020–2024).
With expertise spanning live animal export regulation and biosecurity operations, Sanjay holds a Master of Horticulture and an Executive Master of Public Administration.
Stewart Davey
Manager
Dairy Australia
Stewart is Manager of Technical Market Assurance at Dairy Australia, focusing on dairy food safety, technical market access, and leading the Leveraging Australian dairy sustainability credentials in Southeast Asia LASSEA program, which promotes Australian dairy sustainability in Southeast Asia. With over 30 years of experience in the dairy industry, he has worked across regulatory agencies and leading dairy manufacturers, with a strong focus on the Asian region.
Stewart holds qualifications in microbiology, biochemistry, dairy technology, and an MBA. Stewart plays a key role in supporting the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s work on the Australian Dairy Sustainability Framework, advancing sustainable practices and global market opportunities for Australian dairy.
Allan Williams
Executive Director
Cotton Research and Development
Allan is Executive Director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation. Allan has been involved in the cotton industry for pretty much his entire life, having grown up on a cotton farm. Two intersecting themes have dominated Allan’s work in cotton: research and sustainability.
Since 2012 Allan has worked for the Australian Cotton Research & Development Corporation, where he is now the Executive Director. He also chairs the International Cotton Advisory Committee’s Expert Panel on the Social, Economic and Environmental Performance of cotton.
Anna Hooper
Director
Australian Grape and Wine
Anna is Director of Economic and Environmental Policy at Australian Grape & Wine. Once an award-winning winemaker, Anna works at industry level to support wine businesses nationally and grow our world-class wine scene. Passionate about conservation and experienced in biodynamic viticulture, she’s helping Australia’s wine community navigate a changing world. At a high level, Anna’s focus is on supporting profitable and sustainable Australian wine businesses, and promoting vibrant rural and regional communities.
Anna studied agricultural science majoring in oenology. She now spends most of her days at Australian Grape & Wine where she works with the team to promote a profitable and sustainable landscape for grape and wine producers.
Margo Andrae
Chief Executive Officer
Australian Pork Limited
Margo is Chief Executive Officer of Australian Pork Limited. Margo is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience across primary industries, regional Australia, and research sectors. She has spearheaded the development of the Australian pork industry’s first Sustainability Framework, setting clear goals to position pork as one of Australia’s most sustainable proteins.
Margo has held roles with the Cattle Council of Australia, CSIRO, and UNSW, and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Australasian Pork Research Limited (APRIL). She is completing her MBA through UNSW’s Australian Graduate School of Management.
Claire Boyle
Acting Director, Climate Policy Branch
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Claire is Acting Director for the Climate Policy Branch or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Claire currently leads the team developing the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan. She has been working in climate change and agriculture for over five years.
Before joining the Department, Claire worked in the NGO space and hails from a grain/ sheep farm in northwest Victoria. She holds a Juris Doctor and Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Science.
Salvo Vitelli
General Manager
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
Salvo is General Manager of Agribusiness Policy at the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Salvo has deep roots in agriculture and extensive experience in the agriculture and natural resource management sectors, spanning government, industry and private organisations. He is dedicated to advancing Queensland’s agribusiness system to support rural and regional communities.
During his time with the Queensland Government, Salvo developed and implemented policies and programs promoting sustainable production in collaboration with industries and community organisations. In his current role, he focuses on driving innovation and sustainability in agribusiness, value chains and services to meet evolving domestic and international market demands.
Emily Wilson
Natural Capital Adviser
Local Land Services NSW
Emily Wilson is a Natural Capital Adviser for NSW Local Land Services. She is one of elevent regional advisers across the state. Emily provides expert, independent advice on the integration of natural capital in agricultural production systems, tailored to the communities, industries, and landscapes in her region.
Local Land Services is the NSW Government’s ‘boots on the ground’ agency that works with land managers and the community to improve primary production within healthy landscapes. We offer integrated support, helping rural and regional communities to be profitable and sustainable into the future.
Mike Geurin
Interim Chief Executive Officer
AgCarE
Mike is leading AgCarE as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mike’s focus is on empowering producers in pivotal discussions about food security and sustainability. With a strategic mindset honed over seven years at the helm of AgForce Queensland, his advocacy ensures agricultural voices resonate in industry-shaping dialogues.
Launched in 2022, AgCarE provides comprehensive assessments that measure sustainability credentials, including carbon balance, ecological values, and management practices, aligning with national and international standards. These assessments help landholders identify opportunities for carbon farming, biodiversity offsets, and other emerging markets, thereby supporting sustainable production and improving business resilience.
Hugh Killen
Managing Director
Impact Ag Australia
Hugh is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Impact Ag Australia. Hugh is a visionary leader in agriculture, championing its role as a climate and nature solution. He merges finance and farming to align profitability with environmental resilience. With over 25 years of global experience in finance, food, and agriculture, including senior roles at Climate Asset Management and AACo, he translates complex ESG goals into actionable natural capital strategies.
A thought-provoking speaker, Hugh challenges conventional thinking on sustainability, growth, and decarbonising the agriculture sector.
Greer McCracken
Chief Operating Officer
GO.FARM
Greer is GO.FARM’s Chief Operations Officer, leading Distribution, Investor Relations, People and Culture and Communications. Greer has over 20 years’ experience working across marketing, people, ESG, Wellness and Workplace discipline. Before joining GO.FARM in 2023, Greer worked at the Cotton On Group for 10 years as General Manager – Global Communications, Workplace and Wellness and 5 years at Mecca Brands as National Communications Manager.
Greer has a Bachelor of Arts – Political Science from La Trobe University and a Bachelor of Communications (Hons). – Public Relations and Journalism from Monash University.
Luke Hooke
Manager
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Luke is Manager of Sustainability Policy and Program Design for Nutrien Ag Solutions. Luke has over ten years of experience in agriculture and public policy, including roles in farm advocacy and politics. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and International Relations, a Graduate Certificate in Professional Political Practice, and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
A Member of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council, Luke advises on preparing agriculture for climate impacts. At Nutrien, he is developing high-integrity on-farm measurement, reporting, and verification programs to meet evolving supply chain demands.
Scott Williams
Chair
Sheep Sustainability Framework
Scott is a Masters-qualified veterinarian and Chair of the Sheep Sustainability Framework. Scott’s career has included roles in vet practice, farm consultancy, pharmaceuticals and R&D management. His company, Forest Hill Consulting, advises Rural Development Corporations and other clients across a broad range of sectors.
Scott holds various other sheep industry positions and board roles, including in the water sector.
Jessica Loughland
Livestock Supply Chain Manager
HW Greenham & Sons
Jessica is the Livestock Supply Chain Manager for Australian beef processor, Greenham, who operate three export beef plants across Victoria and Tasmania. In her role, Jessica oversees Greenham’s natural beef programs, digital feedback systems, and sustainability initiatives while engaging closely with producers. Since joining in 2020, she has launched the Greenham Beef Sustainability Standard (GBSS) and the Dairy Beef Program.
With a background in Agricultural Science and extensive experience in the beef industry, Jessica is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, contributing to key industry groups such as the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework and AMIC’s Sustainability Reference Committee.
Anwen Lovett
Project Manager
National Farmers Federation
Anwen is Project Manager for the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework at National Farmers Federation. She is also the Executive Manager of the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations. Anwen has deep experience in sustainable agriculture and agricultural research, development and extension. She has led several multi-partner and collaborative programs between industry, government and the RDCs.
Anwen has held senior executive positions in two RDCs, CRCs and industry bodies.
David Lemon
Principal Research Scientist
CSIRO
David is Principal Research Scientist for CSIRO and leads the Social and Strategic Design Team. David’s research interests focus broadly on the nature of data (especially geospatial data), and the ways in which society creates, manages, governs, and structures data and data supply chains for the purposes of sharing data. He designs and leads projects aimed at creating new systems for sharing information as well as systems for managing environmental information.
Over his career, David has worked across numerous domains including environment, agriculture, water, defence and transport and is regularly called upon as a trusted advisor with respect to the design of human systems for the purpose of sharing data across multiple organisations.
Angela Hammond
Program Manager
Landcare Australia
Landcare Ag: Walking with the agricultural industry on the biodiversity journey
Landcare Australia, a national not-for-profit organisation established 35 years ago, supports the landcare community through funding, capacity-building, on-ground projects, and promoting landcare achievements. Working collaboratively, Landcare Australia enhances biodiversity, strengthens food and farming systems, and fosters resilient communities. With expertise in ecological restoration, the organisation leads major projects in large-scale revegetation and carbon abatement, positioning itself as a leader in the environmental sector.
Angela’s TED Talk is titled Landcare Ag: Walking with the agricultural industry on the biodiversity journey. Angela grew up on Kamilaroi Country out near Hebel, QLD, on a grazing property. Now, as Landcare Agriculture Project Manager, Ang works to connect Landcare with agriculture, fostering sustainable practices and cross-cultural collaboration. Ang enjoys advocating for producers, helping drive positive change for our land and industry.
Katyana Armen
General Manager
Australian Wool Exchange
Responding to the global market’s demand for sustainable, traceable and high-quality wool
The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to enhancing the quality, integrity, and sustainability of Australian wool. AWEX drives key initiatives such as the Australian Wool Sustainability Scheme (AWSS), the National Wool Declaration (NWD), and innovative digital traceability platforms like WoolClip and eBale/ePack.
Katyana’s TED Talk is titled Responding to the global market’s demand for sustainable, traceable and high-quality wool. As General Manager of Brand and Integrity at AWEX, Katyana leads efforts to promote sustainability and innovation in the wool industry. With a strong background in marketing and innovation, including roles with global brands like PepsiCo and Diageo, Katyana will share insights into advancing sustainability and integrity within the wool industry through AWEX’s initiatives, including its cutting-edge digital tools and sustainability certification.
Paul Kotz
Head of Product and Design
Agricultural Innovation Australia
Enabling common, consistent and standardised carbon calculations
The Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA) is a not-for-profit company established by 15 RDCs to address major cross-sectoral agricultural challenges through joint investment and collaboration. AIA’s flagship initiative, the Environmental Accounting Platform, is Australia’s first cross-sectoral carbon calculation engine, offering producers and supply chains a standardised and accessible approach to carbon accounting across multiple commodities.
Paul’s TED Talk is titled Enabling common, consistent and standardised carbon calculations. Paul is the Head of Product and Design who, as a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), excels at transforming agricultural and environmental research into impactful software products. He leads AIA’s development team in enhancing the Environmental Accounting Platform while strategically aligning it with future research, market trends, and legislative changes.
Fiona McCredie
Program Leader
The Cool Soil Initiative
The Cool Soil Initiative (CSI) – why, how and what’s next for reporting farm sustainability & emissions through the food supply chain
The Cool Soil Initiative provides a science-backed framework for the food industry to support farmers in adopting sustainable, climate-smart farming practices. By aligning with Australian and global standards, CSI enables integrated sustainability reporting for multinational food companies while providing farmers with benchmarked reports on emissions, practices, and soil health to guide decision-making. CSI promotes sustainable production, helping farmers demonstrate their environmental stewardship and assisting food companies in meeting sustainable sourcing goals.
Fiona’s TED Talk is titled The Cool Soil Initiative (CSI) – why, how and what’s next for reporting farm sustainability & emissions through the food supply chain. With over 20 years in the agricultural sector, Fiona has driven policy, advocacy, strategy, and sustainability initiatives, particularly in the grains industry. She led the development of the Grains Sustainability Framework and now works with CSI to collaborate directly with farmers, technical experts, and global supply chains to enhance Australia’s position as a leader in low-emission, climate-smart agriculture.
Sudhir Yadav
Senior Principal Research Fellow
The University of Queensland
Sustainability Tracker Tool – for downscaling and implementing Sustainability Frameworks
The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) at the University of Queensland is a world-leading research institute dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for agriculture and food industries. QAAFI focuses on sustainable farming practices, enhancing productivity, and addressing global challenges in agriculture and food systems.
Sudhir’s TED Talk is titled Sustainability Tracker Tool – for downscaling and implementing Sustainability Frameworks. Associate Professor Sudhir Yadav is a Senior Principal Research Fellow at QAAFI’s Centre for Crop Science. His research spans sustainability indicators, traceability standards, life cycle assessment, and benchmarking methodologies, all aimed at advancing sustainable farming practices, improving environmental stewardship, and enhancing resource-use efficiency.
Jane Siebum
Liam Southam-Rogers
Freshcare Ltd & Applied Horticultural Research
Connecting data for a sustainable and productive horticulture industry
Freshcare is an Australian-owned organisation providing internationally recognised assurance standards for the fresh produce, supply chain, and wine grape industries. Established in 2000, Freshcare’s purpose-driven approach ensures continuous improvement in consumer safety and environmental stewardship, enabling producers to demonstrate their capacity to grow, pack, and distribute safe, sustainable, and high-quality produce globally.
AHR is a leader in independent research and development for the horticultural industry, delivering practical solutions to support growers, industry bodies, and government agencies in addressing key challenges.
Jane and Liam’s TED Talk is titled Connecting data for a sustainable and productive horticulture industry. Jane is Chief Executive Officer of Freshcare and leads with a focus on emerging technologies and best practices to support Australian producers in achieving global recognition for sustainable production. With an MBA and a background in rural business, Jane brings deep industry knowledge and a commitment to mentoring and governance excellence.
Liam is an Environmental Scientist with AHR and specialises in sustainability and the intersection of horticulture and climate change. With expertise in sustainable soil health, emissions reduction, and productivity improvements, Liam applies innovative practices to support a more resilient horticultural sector.
This dynamic team will share insights into advancing sustainability and innovation in fresh produce and horticulture.
Sarah Stevens
Team Leader
Gulf Savannah NRM
Using the Framework to demonstrate and communicate sustainability in the Gulf Savannah
Gulf Savannah NRM is a non-profit natural resource management organisation dedicated to strengthening communities, supporting local industries, and cultivating living landscapes in Northern Queensland. The organisation NRM combines science, technology, and landcare to enhance productivity for farmers and graziers while maintaining healthy ecosystems and addressing the unique challenges of Northern Queensland.
Sarah’s TED Talk is titled Using the Framework to demonstrate and communicate sustainability in the Gulf Savannah. Sarah is the Sustainable Land Management Team Leader for Gulf Savannah Natural Resource Management. Since shifting from outback aviation to Natural Resource Management seven years ago, Sarah Stevens has worked with extensive beef and intensive agriculture enterprises in the SA Arid Lands and Gulf Savannah NRM regions. An advocate for environmental stewardship as key to productive and profitable agriculture, she is dedicated to helping small and family businesses to find alignment between their environmental and production realities and industry sustainability goals.
Sarah Parker
Amanda McClaren
Victorian Farmers Markets Association with World Farmers Markets Coalition
The True Value of Farmers Markets: Pillars of Sustainability, Community and Accountability
The Victorian Farmers Markets Association (VFMA) supports, accredits, and promotes authentic farmers’ markets, connecting consumers with local farmers and producers to ensure access to fresh, seasonal, and healthy food. At this event, Sarah Parker, VFMA Executive Officer, and Amanda McClaren, an Accredited VFMA Producer, will explore the themes of sustainability, community, and accountability in farmers’ markets.
Sarah and Amanda’s TED Talk is titled The True Value of Farmers Markets: Pillars of Sustainability, Community and Accountability. As the Executive Officer of the VFMA, Sarah brings extensive experience in agriculture, research, and community development. She holds a Masters in Agriculture and Rural Development, is a graduate of the NFF DiALP program, and serves in leadership roles such as Chair of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. Sarah and her husband operate an irrigated dairy farm in Victoria.
Amanda is a passionate advocate for agriculture and community leadership. With a Masters in Teaching, she champions agricultural education, regional development, and regenerative farming. Amanda is a Director of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, a GAICD graduate, and former Mayor of Strathbogie Shire. She and her husband run a successful poultry and beef business in Central Victoria.
Megan Hill
Sustainability Manager
Australian Pork
“The Magical Animal” Pig Farming and the Circular Economy
Australian Pork Limited (APL) is the national representative body for Australian pig producers, dedicated to advancing the industry through innovation, sustainability, and policy development.
Megan’s TED Talk is titled “The Magical Animal” Pig Farming and the Circular Economy. Megan leads sustainability and environmental policy at APL, bringing 20 years of experience in environmental management, climate policy, and resource recovery. Before joining APL, Megan served as Sustainability Lead at Dairy Australia and held senior roles in the Victorian Government. With a passion for science and agriculture, Megan is excited to share insights into the sustainability initiatives driving the Australian pork industry.
