The annual ASSCT Conference is the premier technical and professional event of the Australian sugar industry, and the 2020 conference in Bundaberg is celebrating the theme of Smart Science and Innovation. I encourage everyone to attend and use this opportunity to collaborate, think outside the square and hopefully by the end of the conference some new ideas and directions will be forged for the industry.

Our Keynote speaker is Mr Richard Heath, Executive director of the Australian Farm Institute, Director of the GRDC and former director Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars. Mr Heath is passionate about advancing the Australian agriculture industry and ensuring it stays profitable, sustainable, and competitive in the new global “smart” agriculture space.

The conference is open to all people involved in the sugar industry; growers and researchers, engineers, millers and harvesting contractors, corporate and extension staff. Sugar Tuesday will focus on showcasing the practical side of the industry, with the Industry Equipment Exhibition being open to the public in the morning, followed by an interactive session targeted to the growers, milling staff and harvesting groups.

During the main days of the conference, Technical Papers and the Poster Paper Sessions will bring together both local and international experts, focusing on cutting edge research and innovative engineering. A key focus is ensuring our industry is viable into the future, and by sharing the latest ideas and findings we are ensuring a united approach to the advancement of the Australian Sugar Industry.

The 42nd ASSCT Conference will be held at the Bundaberg Multiplex Convention Centre, from the 21st to 24th April 2020. The Welcoming Function will be held on Tuesday evening (21st April) following Sugar Tuesday, Happy Hour on Wednesday and the Gala Dinner on Thursday. Also, a delightful Partners Program has been planned, showcasing Bundaberg’s local attractions with a focus on the ag and food industry and innovative local businesses.

On behalf of the local organising committee, I look forward to warmly welcoming you to Bundaberg in April 2020 to participate in the 42nd ASSCT Conference and Industry Equipment Exhibition.

 

Neil Halpin
ASSCT President