foodpro, Australia’s largest and longest-running food manufacturing industry event, has named Aussie Helpers as its charity partner for 2023 in an effort to give back to farming communities that are critical to the operation of food manufacturing in Australia.
“Australian farmers are a hugely important part of the food manufacturing supply chain, and as the feedstock to our industry, we want to support them where we can,” said foodpro Product Manager Felicity Parker.
Parker continued by saying that it was critical – now more than ever – that food manufacturers and suppliers to the sector acknowledge and assist rural-based enterprises.
“Via the partnership with Aussie Helpers, we are looking to raise awareness and funds to support the future of the agricultural sector, which is vital to the operation of food manufacturing in Australia,” Parker noted.
She also stated that while the technologies and machinery on display at foodpro would increase efficiencies at the plant level, companies will not be able to run without the crucial inputs provided by farmers for meat, dairy, grain, and so on.
Tash Kocks, CEO of Aussie Helpers, stated that with back-to-back years of La Nina and flooding, and rains finally ending, the impacts of El Nino will be just as difficult – if not more so – for farmers.
“Aussie farmers are tough and resilient, they know there’s no such as thing as perfect climate forecast,” Kocks said.
She added, “But a drought during the current economic climate could see many Australian families—already struggling with the cost of living—pay even higher prices for their groceries.”
Moreover, Kocks emphasised that the nation’s food security will be impacted if property values decline owing to the drought, adding that farmers are unable to repay their loans because of macroeconomic conditions.
“As farmers are working hard to prepare for El Nino, we’re also preparing by strengthening our services and our relationships with farming communities,” the CEO said.
To date, Aussie Helpers, one of Australia’s largest farming support charities, has been providing direct assistance to farmers for 21 years and building long-lasting relationships with rural communities across the country.
The charity said they have assisted 18,000 farmers, saved 10,000 cattle, coordinated the delivery of 210,000 litres of water, and raised more than $50 million.
“We are extremely pleased that foodpro has chosen us as their charity partner this year and is committed to helping make a difference,” Kocks concluded.
foodpro 2023 is slated to take place from 23 to 26 July 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For more information on Aussie Helpers, you may visit this link.
