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HARVEST Agtech Innovation Showcase & Pitch Night

Discover the latest cutting-edge businesses revolutionizing the Agtech industry at this exciting expo-style networking event. Start-ups and SMEs will showcase their innovations and pitch for investment opportunities.

These innovative businesses have all participated in our renowned HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program, a hub for the best Agtech talent in Western Australia.

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with inspiring ideas, insightful pitches, and endless possibilities. Canapes and drinks will be provided to fuel your networking adventures!

When: Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 5pm to 7pm

Where: Members Lounge, Royal Agricultural Society of WA, Claremont Showgrounds

REGISTER

Supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (DPIRD), CSBP, AgriFutures Australia, Wrays, Esperance Zone Innovation Group, and the Royal Agricultural Society of WA, this event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for networking and collaboration!

The Power Shift: Transitioning Farm Communities to Renewables

The energy transition, and how it impacts farms, agriculture and our communities.

The agricultural sector needs to recognise the opportunities in renewables and manage the risks and challenges. To do this, we must be well informed and armed with knowledge of what is already happening and what lies ahead.

Supported by Western Power and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, AgZero 2030 is bringing together a range of quality speakers to cover all topics of the energy transition and how it impacts farms, agriculture and our communities.

The day will finish with a Sundowner.

See the agenda for a full list of speakers and topics.

FIPWA Community Accelerator Evening

Calling all food producers and farmers ! Join us for three captivating Community Evenings hosted by FIPWA, where innovation meets collaboration.

These events are not just gatherings; they’re dynamic platforms for learning, discussing, and forging connections that will shape the future of food production in our region. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, these evenings are an opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and establish a robust collective of food innovators. Together, we can cultivate a thriving community dedicated to sustainable agriculture and culinary excellence.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something truly transformative for the Peel Region’s food landscape. Join us, and let’s sow the seeds of innovation together!

Attending our Community Evenings promises an immersive experience . Each evening is curated with a unique blend of insightful discussions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and empower. Moreover, seize the chance to participate in the coveted FIPWA Accelerator Program , an unparalleled opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to receive mentorship, resources, and guidance to scale their business . Be prepared to be enlightened by esteemed guest speakers at every gathering, sharing their invaluable expertise and industry insights. For those registering for all three events and enrolling in the Accelerator Program, an exclusive perk awaits—you’ll enjoy complimentary access and the chance to showcase your creations at the prestigious Food & Wine FIPWA event stall. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to accelerate your business to the next level!

DEADLINE: Livestock and Animal Traceability Development, Implementation, and Improvement Grant

The grant round provides the opportunity for successful applicants to contribute to developing, implementing, and improving traceability systems for Australian agricultural industries, specifically in the livestock, animals and animal products sector.

The purpose of the grant round is to enhance industry capacity and capability to meet national traceability outcomes and comply with current and emerging requirements. Enhancing traceability for livestock, animals and animal products will support Australia’s access to existing and new markets; enhance our ability to respond to exotic pest, disease, and food safety incidents; and help to demonstrate how our livestock, animal and animal product sectors meet changing consumer expectations.

Projects developed under this grant round will assist in reducing barriers to adoption of traceability and increase regulatory compliance capability. While the focus of this grant round is on the livestock, animals and animal products sectors, consideration should be given as to how projects could be applied across other agricultural sectors.

Projects developed under this grant round should consider potential links to projects under the 2023 Regulatory Technology Research and Insights Grant Round.

Regional Innovation Summit

Explore the latest tech and innovation for sustainability at the Regional Innovation Summit

  • Gain insights from keynote speakers from across Australia about future industries holding immense promise for the South West region including Future Food, Productive Oceans and Sustainable Seafood, and Technology for Net Zero. 
  • Connect with dynamic trailblazers with fresh viewpoints and ingenious solutions including entrepreneurs, researchers, government representatives, corporates, and investors.
  • Engage in panel discussions featuring innovators sharing their remarkable success stories through the power of sustainability and creativity.
  • Hear compelling pitches and see new innovations from emerging startups in partnership with investor network, South West Angels. 
  • Enhance your day and choose from two optional bespoke tour experiences of Shelter Brewery and Busselton Jetty’s Marine Discovery Centre. Limited spots available—add the tour at checkout to secure your place:

Experience Shelter Brewery starting with an in-depth exploration of their brewing process, from grain selection to the final pour. Engage in discussions on how their innovative technology shapes the brewing industry, ensuring their beers excel in taste, quality, and sustainability OR Explore the Marine Discovery Centre to encounter sharks up close, listen to whale songs, and control underwater submarines through interactive exhibits. Hear from specialist Marine Biologist Sally Bolt as she delves into the comprehensive environmental initiatives undertaken by Busselton Jetty.

Speakers: 
Josh Whiteland, Wadandi custodian and Koomal Dreaming founder, Welcome to Country, and sharing his cultural knowledge for sustainable production.

Kylie Hansen, Founding Director of Impact Seed, Western Australia’s peak capacity builder for impact investment and social enterprise development, and co-founder of Impact Investment Alliance of WA, Western Australia’s key reference group for market development and stewardship of impact investment in WA.

Susie O’Neill, Head of Industry Engagement for Food Frontier, the independent think tank on alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand committed to growing the region’s protein supply with new, sustainable and nutritious options that create value for businesses, farmers and consumers.

Thomas Nann, CEO and Co-founder Allegro Energy, powering the future with efficient, sustainable and safe energy storage with unique, proprietary, water-based electrolyte technology, bringing us one step closer to a zero carbon economy.

Michael Wear, Founder and Managing Director of Tidal Moon, a collaborative project with three Aboriginal communities, Mulgana (Shark Bay), Bayungu (Coral Bay / Exmouth) and Thalanyji (Onslow), aiming to develop a viable commercial sea cucumber business while maintaining cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Chandni Jaga, Ventures and Sustainability, Plug and Play, a platform to make innovation open to anyone, anywhere, by connecting entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors worldwide. Over the past 15 years, they have brought together 35,000+ startups, 500+ world-leading corporations, and hundreds of venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies across 20+ industries in 50+ locations globally. 
Amy Carter-James
, Co-founder and CE) of Raaise, accelerating climate startups by making capital raising easier.

Andrew Outhwaite, Managing Director of For Blue, centre for blue economy innovation for the Indian Ocean.

This event is presented by Innovation Cluster and supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation through the New Industries Fund – X-Tend WA Program, West Tech Fest, City of Busselton,  South West Angels, and Creative Tech Village.

Turning the Dial 2024

Turning the Dial 2024, happening on 30 May 2024, is an event focused on food waste reduction, sustainable packaging innovation, and the circular economy for food and beverage manufacturers. The goal of the event is to help businesses navigate the path to sustainability and provide networking opportunities across the supply chain. The event will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and breakout workshops presented by industry leaders in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, food waste, and sustainable packaging.

Participants will have access to the event agenda, announcements, and networking features through the Whova app. View the event website for the current agenda and speaker profiles. If you have any questions please email the team at aftevent@dpird.wa.gov.au

CSIRO Conversations: The future of Australian farming systems

What could productive, resilient and sustainable farming systems look like in Australia by 2050?

This is the question our recently released Ag2050 Scenarios Report examines through the exploration of trends, risks, opportunities and evidence-based scenarios.

Join us, as experts from research, government and industry come together to discuss the key trade-offs across plausible futures for Australian farming systems in 2050.

The panel, moderated by Dr Katherine Wynn, Agriculture and Food Lead, CSIRO Futures, will explore the current landscape, significant trends and plausible scenarios for Australian agriculture.

Dial into our webinar to:

  • Gain insights from industry experts driving transformative changes in farming.
  • Understand the significance of sustainable practices and technological advancements.
  • Explore strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of Australian agriculture.
  • Discover opportunities for collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of farming.
Meet your host:
  • Dr Katherine Wynn, Lead Economist, CSIRO Futures
Meet the panel:
  • Nick Blong, First Assistant Secretary, Sustainability, Climate and Strategy Division, Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  • Dr Jen Taylor, Deputy Director, Agriculture and Food, CSIRO

More information on our speakers is below.

DEADLINE: WA Grain Growers Fund 2025 EOIs

The Council of Grain Grower Organisations Limited (COGGO) in Western Australia established the ‘COGGO Research Fund’ to invest in innovative research and development projects to the benefit of the WA grains industry. COGGO’s annual Research Fund investment in R&D plays a major role in assisting WA to maintain its market competitiveness and viability in the grains industry.

Projects can target any part of the WA grain supply chain which benefits WA grain growers. Funding for projects range from $20,000 – $75,000 per annum over a project life of one or two years.

Applications now open for 2025 grant funding

Funding is now available for projects commencing in 2025, up to a maximum value of $150,000 over two years.

Download the Expression of Interest form below and submit applications in Word format only, to coggo@giwa.org.au no later than 5pm Friday 12 July, 2024.

DEADLINE: Climate-Smart Agriculture Program

The Australian Government is inviting organisations via an Open competitive process to apply to deliver projects under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program – Small Grants Round 1.

Small Grants are for small-scale projects at the grassroots and community level that will support farmers and land holders to adopt sustainable agriculture best practices, as well as facilitate and implement practice change. The grants will improve management of our natural resources and increase sustainable on-farm productivity and resilience to climate change.

The grants allow for a wide range of projects and initiatives, providing opportunities for information delivery and extension as well as scaling up of existing local initiatives. New or innovative, as well as tried and tested, climate-smart, sustainable agricultural practices are in scope.

Intended outcomes:

  • Outcome 1: Farmers, land holders and community groups have increased knowledge and skills in implementing best practice, locally applicable, climate-smart, sustainable agriculture approaches, including practices that conserve natural capital and biodiversity.
  • Outcome 2: There is an increase in the number of farmers, land holders and/or communities that have adopted climate-smart, sustainable agriculture practices.

The grant opportunity will also focus on strengthening First Nations engagement and participation in climate-smart, sustainable agriculture projects and initiatives.

Meet the Entrepreneur Series: Jay Albany from Dirty Clean Food

Join us for our next instalment of our Meet the Entrepreneur Series, featuring Jay Albany, CEO of Dirty Clean Food.

Sustainability Focused Entrepreneurship

Jay is CEO of Dirty Clean Food, a market leading platform for delicious and ethical food based in Perth.  Dirty Clean Food provides a commercial outlet that advances regenerative agriculture in Western Australia, influencing over 25,000 hectares and 30+ family farmers and ethical small food businesses. Dirty Clean Food is a Commonland 4 Returns business, focused on generating social, natural, financial and inspirational returns through landscape restoration.

Jay founded Dirty Clean Food within Wide Open Agriculture in 2019, growing this business from zero to $10 million+ in annualised in turnover in three years, and is currently raising funds for expansion. He also served as CEO of Wide Open Agriculture (ASX: WOA) from December 2022 through March 2023, where he led commercialisation of the Company’s innovative lupin protein business.

He has spent his career building better commercial networks to access quality food from local producers in America and Australia.  Prior to starting Dirty Clean food in 2019, Jay held leadership roles in digital businesses in the food and finance industries in New York, most recently running corporate strategy at MaxDelivery and founding MyFreshGrocer, a New York-based online grocery specialising in eco-friendly delivery of local, gourmet and grocery products.

The evening will also feature an announcement of an upcoming opportunity for sustainability focused entrepreneurs, startups and businesses to be part of the free CONNECT Sustainable Industries 2024 program!

Time
5pm – 6.30pm
Including drinks and nibbles

Cost
Free for The SET members
$20 for non-members

The Meet the Entrepreneur Series is supported by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation through the New Industries Fund – X-Tend WA Program.