Red meat sector invited to Napier conference

huge red meat chunk and steak isolated over white background

FARMERS, agribusiness professionals and anyone with an interest in the red meat sector has been urged to attend this year’s Red Meat Sector conference to be held in Napier on July 29 and 30.

The conference, which is jointly hosted by Beef+Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association, will be an opportunity for sector stakeholders to get together and discuss the many issues affecting the red meat industry.

These include disruptive technology, trade and climate change.

“This is a unique opportunity for farmers in our region to gain insight into these issues and to engage with stakeholders right along the value-chain,” said B+LNZ farmer director George Tatham.

“I have attended this conference in the past — when it has been held in other regions — and know that it is well worth taking the time to better understand the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing.”

Former Zespri chief executive and Primary Sector Councillor Lain Jager will be amongst the speakers as will Murray Sherwin from the Productivity Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Vangelis Vitalis and Rabobank’s Tim Hunt.

“One of the highlights will be a panel discussion where panelists will discuss how best to tell the farmers’ story,” said Mr Tatham.

The discussion will be facilitated by well-known economic commentator Rob Oram, the panel includes Scott Kennedy, B+LNZ Ambassador Chef and owner of Nero Restaurant, Lain Jager and Lesley Hamilton, communications manager of Seafood New Zealand.

“The conference opens at 6pm on Sunday July 29 with a welcome cocktail function sponsored by Hamburg Sud.

“It runs all day on Monday 30 July and concludes with a gala dinner sponsored by Maersk Line. Registrations for all B+LNZ registered farmers and MIA members are subsidised.”

For more information and to register please visit http://www.redmeatsector.co.nz/