Australia’s premier grains industry event, the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) 2025, concluded in Melbourne this week after two days of high-level discussion, strategic insights, and industry connection under the theme “Driving Forward – Sowing Success.”

Held at the Crown Promenade and co-hosted by Grain Trade Australia (GTA) and the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF), the conference brought together delegates from across the Australian grain industry and around the world, reaffirming AGIC’s role as a vital platform for collaboration, leadership and industry development.

In his opening remarks, GTA Chair Andrew Goyder welcomed delegates from across Australia and key international markets, including China and Indonesia.

“This year’s theme, ‘Driving Forward – Sowing Success,’ is a call to action for our industry. Success won’t come from standing still, it will come from strengthening partnerships, driving innovation, and ensuring our supply chains, systems and people are equipped for the challenges ahead,” Andrew Goyder said.

Speakers energised delegates with a broad range of perspectives, reflecting the grain industry’s evolving landscape, including:

• Adelaide Timbrell, Senior Economist at ANZ and the first keynote speaker of AGIC 2025, highlighted the strength of the Australian economy amidst global uncertainty. She noted that a low unemployment rate and a tight labour market contribute to economic resilience, with businesses reluctant to lay off staff. She pointed to Australia’s rules-based grains industry as another example of the stability that underpins the broader economy, and the Australian economy is in a strong position to be resilient to the global challenges we are currently facing.
• Emily French of Global Ag Protein shared how the agricultural industry is about protecting, nurturing resources and feeding the world, which has created deep-rooted bonds. Emily stressed the need for agility and market awareness as global trade patterns evolve and the need for exporters and end-users to “always be ready so you don’t have to get ready”.
• Dennis Voznesenski, author of War & Wheat explored the impacts of geopolitical conflict on supply chains, offering a sobering yet insightful view of how war and uncertainty are reshaping the global grain trade, mentioning the more we experience disruptions, the more we see governments focus on self-sufficiency, and prices start to fall, he finished his talk saying, “either fright or domestic demand is needed for an export industry to thrive during periods of disruption”.
• Panel sessions throughout AGIC 2025 delivered practical insights and tangible takeaways across a wide range of topics. The Policy Settings for Industry Growth panel explored the role of regulation in enabling progress, highlighting that effective policy requires a shared understanding of the issues, the industry’s starting point, and a clear view of what needs to change. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to get it right,” was a key takeaway. The Keeping Up with Technology to Sow Success panel focused on how technological advancements and adoption across the grain sector can help future-proof agriculture and create lasting impact throughout the supply chain.

Delegates also heard from The Hon Simon Birmingham, Warren Entsch and Lesley and Roger Gillespie OAM, Co-Founders of Bakers Delight, in conversation with Hugh Riminton – a standout session on leadership, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The conference closed with an inspiring keynote from Olympic swimming legend Michael Klim OAM, who shared his personal journey of resilience and performance at the highest level.

Panel sessions throughout the program explored policy settings, technological innovation, market outlooks and grower perspectives, offering valuable insight and practical takeaways.

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy said the strong turnout and high-level engagement reflected the industry’s shared commitment to growth and continuous improvement.

“AGIC has once again delivered what it’s known for: strategic insights, commercial relevance, and meaningful connections. This is a forum where big conversations happen and where leadership in the Australian grain industry is on full display. This year, we were proud to partner with HFW for the inaugural Women in Grain networking breakfast”.

The conference also included the popular Young Professionals Networking Event, hosted by GTA’s Five Under 30 initiative alongside the Generational Change: GTA’s Five Under 30 Look at Industry Evolution panel, both designed to foster intergenerational exchange and showcase the future of the grain industry.

AGIC 2025 offered a powerful mix of insight, leadership and peer engagement. Conference recordings and resources are now available via the Online Portal for AGIC delegates.

Photos available on request.

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Media Contact:
Pat O’Shannassy
CEO, Grain Trade Australia
M: +61 427 881 113
E: pat.oshannassy@graintrade.org.au