Australian Cotton Conference attracts 2,487 attendees

While the post-event survey is yet to be completed, some preliminary figures are in. With 457 attendees responding so far, around 32 per cent of attendees were female and 68 per cent male. More than 60 per cent of attendees were cotton growers, supply chain employees or cotton consultants with R&D making up another 10 per cent.

At the conference, Cotton Info celebrated its 10^th birthday, connecting growers with research and recognising a decade of impact delivered by the industry's extension programme. Established in 2012, CottonInfo is a joint initiative of Cotton Australia, Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC). It is a unique industry partnership that communicates the outcomes of research, encourages grower adoption of technology and innovation, and improves industry practices, Cotton Australia said in a press release.

The conference was timely for Namoi Cotton who used the event to highlight its 60^th anniversary. The conference also marked the graduation of the 2022 Future Cotton Leaders participants, 15 of the country’s most outstanding, up and coming cotton stakeholders.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the eight women and seven men from across NSW, Qld and the ACT were a testament to the objectives of the premier entry-level programme.

“Given the calibre of the graduates, I expect the coming months and years will see every one of these talented and intelligent individuals making a significant mark in this industry in so many ways. Identifying the potential of our young leaders and partnering in their professional development is one of the greatest things we can do to continue to improve the Australian cotton industry. I look forward to taking part in the identification of our 2023 Future Cotton Leaders participants,” Kay added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (RR)