Join us for a panel discussion on "Circular Economy Opportunities for Agriculture," where we will explore innovative strategies and practices that can revolutionise the agricultural sector's approach to sustainability. In an era marked by environmental challenges and the urgent need for resource conservation, the circular economy framework offers promising solutions for creating a more resilient and eco-friendly agricultural system.

Our esteemed panellists, comprising experts from diverse backgrounds, will explore practical applications and potential benefits of adopting circular economy principles in agriculture.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how circular economy principles can drive innovation, foster collaboration, and create new opportunities. From reducing waste and maximising resource efficiency to promoting regenerative practices and enhancing food security, this panel promises to uncover the untapped potential of the circular economy in agriculture.

Moderator: Professor Dirk Erler

Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University

Professor Dirk Erler supervises both undergraduate and postgraduate students, and serves as a unit assessor for Aquatic Science and Catchment Management, and Water and Wastewater Engineering. His research is broadly divided along two lines: understanding aquatic nutrient cycling in natural systems, and developing strategies to improve nutrient/energy recovery in engineered systems.

Dirk conducts pure research into understanding nutrient cycling processes in natural and engineered systems, while his applied research is focused on finding solutions to industry-related nutrient and aquatic pollution issues, building on concepts of sustainability and the circular economy. He is also The ReCirculator’s Chief Investigator, and serves on The ReCirculator Program Advisory Board.

Panellists

Jane Laverty

Regional Director, Business NSW

Jane has extensive experience in economic development, stakeholder engagement, project management, marketing and business/public advocacy.

As both an independent consultant and in leadership roles for Government agencies, Jane has worked within the Northern Rivers region for nearly two decades. During this time she’s collaborated with business and industry clients, Local and State Government and the not-for-profit sector to promote investment in regional Australia to build local economies and create jobs.

Currently the Regional Director Northern Rivers with Business NSW (previously NSW Business Chamber), Jane also serves on The ReCirculator Program Advisory Board.

John Winter

Co-founder, SEATA

A renowned chemical engineer with more than 25 years' experience, John is SEATA’s Co-founder, Director Engineering and Technical, and the inventor of the patented SEATA process. He is also the current principal of Roundhill Engineering.

John has been involved with the development of a number of minerals benefication technologies, including high and low temperature fluid bed roasting, calcination, agglomeration, coal gasification and pyrohdrolysis.

John’s strong interest in the use of renewables and waste-to-energy has led to the development of fluid bed coffee roasting using bio-fuels, a hydrothermal upgrading process for used lubrication oils (ULO) and the use of biomass for the production of biochar and clean syngas. In addition to his professional pursuits, John operates a beef cattle property, specialising in speckle park breed.

Dr Owen Hogan

Lecturer - Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, Southern Cross University

Dr Owen Hogan is a lecturer in strategy, human-centred design, innovation and entrepreneurship at Southern Cross University. He has extensive professional experience across music, agriculture, government and higher education and founded two successful businesses in the creative industries.

Owen’s multi-disciplinary research focuses on enabling innovation ecosystems that address grand challenges and co-create new value for society. He has published works in higher education strategy and policy, and entrepreneurship, along with industry grants in the circular economy and sustainability.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation and discover how we can harness the power of circularity to cultivate a more sustainable future for agriculture and our planet.

Date: Thursday, 16th May 2024

Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Location: Pavilion 1, Primex

*Please note that a general admission ticket to Primex is required to attend this event. Get your tickets here:

Tickets - Norco Primex 2024 (lup.com.au)