Climate and Organics: From farm, factory and plate, and back to soil

Why take this masterclass?

Australia is lagging global leaders in tackling methane emissions and waste from food and green organics. It is also lagging its own 2030 targets for diversion of organics from landfill. There is a need for systemic change so we transition to a more circular, low emissions bio-material economy by 2030.

Motivations and benefits from change are many. Still less than 50% of Australian households have access to organic recycling, and there are too few programs for businesses – all while our landfills are filling up. 30% of food never reaches our plates. Good but wonky food lies rotting, households struggle to buy food and retailers send everything including nutritious organics into landfills in one waste bin. Meanwhile, fertiliser prices have doubled and our ancient soils continue to decline in health making our farming future increasingly bleak. Finally, Australia may join global leaders in the priority pledge to cut methane at the UN COP 22.

It does not have to be this way. Solutions exist, can be implemented, and are necessary for us to meet the looming targets to 2030.

In this national Masterclass, third in our series, we will learn from leaders in Australia and overseas (France, Italy, UK and Netherlands) and their smart solutions. Participants and presenters will discuss the ways we can transform the pathways for organic materials in Australia, feed our people, support new businesses and farmers and cut methane emissions for a more sustainable future.

What will you learn?

We will cover the following leading successful levers and actions in Australia and overseas:

• separation, bin and collection systems for households, business, agriculture
• food and green organic processing (anaerobic digestion (AD), biogas, compost, etc)
• food donation and diversion
• industry pledges and programs
• laws, bans, standards
• financial incentives and fees.

We will provide facts and models on climate, emissions and circular economy. We will analyse gaps and bold actions to be taken so we reach our bold and essential 2030 targets. Our expert team will address key questions and participant’s answers for informed progress.

Our internationally renown expert, Dr Jane Gilbert based in UK will present her insights and share via live Q&A her 25 years leadership in organics recycling and outputs in UK, EU and developing world including India and Mongolia. Helen Millicer will present on strategic levers for climate, emissions, circular economy in EU and Australia, and Dr Melita Jazbec will provide the rigour on science and economics of collection and treatment options for Australia.

Who is this for?

• farmers and managers of gardens and waterways 
• food manufacturers and sellers through retail and food outlets 
• government policy makers, contract and program managers 
• farm and garden suppliers (composters, agronomists, landscapers, fertiliser manufacturers etc) 
• association representatives.

Our Powerhouse of speakers

Dr Jane Gilbert 

Jane Jane has extensive experience in organic recycling systems, standards, certifications and industry schemes, soil health and waste management, packaging and clinical waste.

Jane is highly qualified and globally recognised consultant with 25 years in organics recycling and author of technical articles on organics, recycling and compost. Her qualifications include MBA, degree in microbiology and PhD in biochemistry. Jane is the former CEO of UK Composting Association, co-founder of EU Compost Network and currently Chair of International Solid Waste Association’s Biological Treatment Working Group.

Helen Millicer

Helen is an expert in industry and government programs, policy and governance,delivering systemic change for circular economy and climate change, and industry transformation.

Helen’s credentials include Grad Dip Business, AICD Company Directors, circular economy and plastics Churchill scholarship and Certificate in Carbon Accounting. She is author of publications for Australian Packaging Covenant on compostable packaging, recycled content and articles for industry journals on plastics, greenwashing and climate change. Helen is currently consulting to the Australian Food and Grocery Council on a plastic stewardship scheme and the Australian Government on levers for sustainable product design, a co-founder of ClimateWise Associations, and a member of the inaugural Tasmanian Government’s Waste and Resource Recovery Board.

Dr Melita Jazbec

Dr Melita Jazbec specialises in resource, energy and water futures via waste strategies, action plans for local governments and private companies. She is expert in modelling and analysis, business case development and targets. She developed a paper for Water Services Association of Australia on Transitioning the water industry with the circular economy, where options of managing organics in a circular economy are explored. Melita was also part of the organising committee for the Organix19 Summit which brought together stakeholders from the whole organics supply chain and guided them via a two-day workshop developing transition pathways to circular economy. Melita’s current clients include Sydney Water and precinct developers.

Melita’s background in chemical engineering and PhD in fundamental chemical kinetics of the pollutants in the combustion systems including computational fluid dynamic modelling bring unique expertise to the resources management, energy and water when developing practical circular economy solutions. Melita is a member of Circular Australia Infrastructure taskforce.

Dr Damien Giurco

Professor Damien Giurco has worked collaboratively with governments and industry spanning minerals, water, waste and energy sectors on strategy, modelling, policy, and circular economy issues. Damien has spoken widely across these fields and published over 150 technical reports and articles. Damien is a Director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence and recent member of the Expert Reference Group for the NSW 20 year Waste Strategy.