Derek Baker, professor of agribusiness at the University of New England, was in the spotlight at the recent Farming Together national forum.
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About 300 people - more than half of them farmers from across Australia - heard the respected agricultural academic lead discussions on working with supply chains.
The forum, held in Adelaide, was the second annual conference organised by the Australian Government's Farming Together program, which aims to help farmers form co-ops, clusters and collaborative groups.
The day - entitled 'Strength in Numbers' - saw the launch of a free, online guide for DIY co-op building, as well as a more detailed how-to manual.
It also showcased some of the smartest agricultural groups in the country - from Albany in WA to Maranoa in Queensland to Yolla in Tasmania.
Farming Together's program director Lorraine Gordon said they had farmers from Katanning to Cairns attend the forum.
“The audience soaked up all the information we presented: on crowd-funding, on big data, on regional branding and on supply chains ... the day's focus was broad as it was intense,” she said.
The day also saw the announcement of $4.5 million funding for innovative farming projects through the program.
"In the first eight months of operation, Farming Together has engaged with more than 700 farmer groups and reached through to more than 16,000 primary producers across Australia."
The online co-op builder template was developed by Farming Together in conjunction with the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals and is available for free at www.farmingtogether.com.au
Farming Together is being delivered by Southern Cross University on behalf of the Australian Government. It comprises a highly experienced senior team drawn from a wide range of commodity groups from across Australia.