Rural producers will have the opportunity to speak directly with deputy opposition Leader, Julie Bishop, as well as other rural sector leaders at an industry forum to be hosted by AgForce at Roma on Wednesday.

Speakers will include Meat and Livestock Australia managing director, Scott Hansen, JBS Director John Berry, Ian McLean from Bush Agribusiness, AgForce general president, Ian Burnett and chief executive officer, Charles Burke.

AgForce southern inland Queensland president Grant Maudsley said the forum was a chance to pose key questions pertaining to the coalition’s plan for the agriculture industry and to explain her party’s rural policy. 

“This is a rare opportunity for all primary producers in the region, be they AgForce members or not, to attend this event and to speak directly to one of the highest ranked politicians in the country,” Mr Maudsley said.

“In a Federal election year, engaging with politicians and communicating our issues and concerns to them is critically important.

“For us to be part of the policy making process and to achieve real outcomes for our industry we also need to be talking to industry leaders and giving them the feedback at a grass roots level

“I strongly encourage as many rural industry stakeholders as possible to attend this important event and to take advantage of this rare opportunity at a regional level.”

Event Details:

'Agriculture Keeping Pace with the World'

When: Wednesday, 12 June 2013 at 8.30am

Where: Roma Bungil Cultural Centre, Cnr Bungil & Quintin Street, Roma

Guest Speakers:

• The Hon Julie Bishop MP -Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minster for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Minister for Trade; 

• Scott Hansen – Managing Director MLA 'Global Opportunities and Challenges'; 

• John Berry -Director and Manager Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, JBS Australia 'Global Demand, where to from here?'; 

• Ian McLean -Private Consultant, Bush Agribusiness Pty Ltd 'Swelling debt and the Cost-Price Squeeze'.