C4G brings ABC Ag leader to Gippsland

Host of ABC’s Landline program, Pip Courtney was in Warragul last week to speak with leaders from our Gippsland agriculture sector as part of the Committee for Gippsland’s Gippsland Global Series. Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said it was a delight to host Pip and have her share the latest agricultural news as well as her story with Committee for Gippsland members.

“As host of Australia’s highly regarded agricultural program, Pip offers a powerful voice for rural and regional Australia, while telling the stories of our farmers and producers,” Tony Cantwell said. “It was a privilege to hear Pip’s experiences reporting on what is currently facing the industry. These included innovation in agriculture to climate change impacts on extreme weather events and embracing principles of sustainable farming practices such as zero-tillage, and regenerative agriculture.”

Following Pip’s presentation, a panel of Gippsland producers and leaders provided lively discussion, delving into everything from water security, circular economy, challenges accessing global markets, and finance. The panel featured South Gippsland celery and leek grower Chris Schreurs of Schreurs and Sons, Gippsland Water’s Simon Aquilina, NAB Agricultural Economist Phin Ziebell and Burra Foods CEO Stewart Carson.

“These conversations are critical in laying the foundations for Gippsland to continue as a leading region in agriculture. Our region has long been regarded as a food bowl for not only for our state, but the world,” Tony Cantwell said.

Bolstering our agricultural industries and communities is a strategic priority for the Committee for Gippsland to support Gippsland farmers and producers, who combined, produce more than half of Victoria’s dairy, beef and vegetables adding to our region’s $7 billion agricultural sector.