Leaders in innovation address Australian Cotton Conference

The conference represents the first opportunity for many growers and industry figures to come together to see the latest technology, discover the results of ground-breaking research, and understand the innovation that will drive the natural fibre to new levels in Australia and worldwide. The conference is hosting presentations, panel discussions and information sessions before the Thursday evening dinner where the winners of the 2022 Cotton Industry Awards will be revealed, the organisers said in a press release.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay, also on the conference organising committee, said there were so many highlights, attendance at the conference is essential for anyone interested in cotton.

“We have been lucky enough to attract the best minds in cotton from Australia and around the world, to pass on crucial information about all the important areas for growers, including environmental sustainability, water use, global market trends and strategies and cotton fashion. Included in the line-up is global strategist Michael Every from Rabobank, sustainability and stewardship leader, Sunny Verghese from Olam International, and cotton supply and demand specialist Joe Nicosia from Louis Dreyfus. Every forum, every information session and every presentation will have relevance to our cotton industry with growers playing a significant part in most industry updates,” added Kay.

Kay said the conference will set the scene for next season with innovation at the core of presentations and the trade exhibitions. “We are pleased that a dozen innovators are part of this year’s conference, and many exhibitors will be displaying new machinery for the first time. We will even see robotic heavy machinery in action, bringing world-leading technology to the Gold Coast.”

Soil scientist Dr Oliver Knox will reveal learnings from the latest circularity symposium Threads and Opportunities which will lead to a national call to action for all researchers and consumers interested in a more sustainable and circular fashion and textiles economy.

Emma Dennis from Better Cotton, the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world, will give an address followed by Rui Fontoura from Textile Exchange, Elizabeth Keegan from Cotton On, and Leila Naja Hibri from the Australian Fashion Council, on taking sustainable Australian fashion to the world.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)