World Food Forum Side Event
Building an international network for agri-food system change

BACKGROUND
YE12 PHILIPPINES ROOM / Dial in
In today’s world, collaboration is key to driving positive change. Social networks play a vital role in providing the support, resources, and opportunities necessary for meaningful impact. Yet, building these networks can be especially challenging for young people. Many seek access to influential circles, relationship-building skills, and strategies to overcome barriers such as geography, gender, and culture. We have designed a workshop to address these crucial needs and to equip young people in agri-food systems with the tools and connections required to build strong, influential networks and drive change.
We are passionate, agri-food system thought leaders who recognise the need to connect with and learn from other people, businesses and countries around the world.

Su McCluskey
Workshop Moderator
Su McCluskey is Australia’s inaugural Special Representative for Australian Agriculture. With an
increasing focus on more environmentally sustainable production, Su works to promote and demonstrate Australia’s commitment to climate-smart sustainable agriculture, and counter
prescriptive policy that could negatively impact Australian agriculture and global food security.

MICHAEL TAYLOR
Speaker
Michael is a 6th generation farmer in the New England Tablelands of NSW, Australia. He, his wife Milly, and their three children run superfine Merino sheep, beef cattle, and an agritourism business. Michael's vision is to establish multi-purpose forests on farms with co-benefits and carbon sequestration. His Nuffield Farming Scholarship explores barriers to agroforestry adoption in grazing and cropping regions.
Read more about Michael’s background here.

SALLY HIGGINS
Speaker
Sally and her partner manage a mixed cattle and cropping farm in Allora, in Southern Queensland, Australia. Sally also works off-farm in agriculture and regional development policy where she consults to all levels of Government, the private sector and not-for-profits. Sally is passionate about supporting the agricultural sector and regional communities to prepare for and respond to a lower emissions future.
Read more about Sally’s background here.

AMY STONER
Speaker
Amy lives in Rutland with her partner Dan, where they keep a small flock of sheep. Amy currently works as Raw Materials and Compliance Manager for Samworth Brothers, a leading UK food manufacturing company. Amy is currently completing a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, researching resilience in fresh produce supply chains.
Read more about Amy’s background here.

OVERVIEW OF OUR WFF SIDE-EVENT
Join us at the World Food Forum for an interactive workshop designed to equip participants with the skills to build effective global networks in agri-food systems. Using technology transfer and interactive mechanisms, this session will guide participants in forming strong, collaborative relationships and problem-solving strategies.
The workshop will introduce a live, international impact network via the Google Maps platform, facilitating knowledge exchange and connection-building worldwide. Participants will receive guidance on network-building strategies and be introduced to a curated list of global agri-food change makers, empowering them to drive transformation in sustainable food systems.
This workshop is a unique opportunity to expand your network, learn essential collaboration skills, and engage in meaningful change within the food sector.
Event Details:
To join the event online or in-person, you must register for the World Food Forum (see more information here).

WHY DIAL INTO OUR WORKSHOP
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn how strong networks can transform agri-food systems. Through compelling speaker case studies and expert panel discussions, you’ll discover the power of robust networks in driving change across diverse sectors.
Participants will engage in hands-on, interactive sessions designed to develop essential networking and communication skills tailored specifically to the agri-food sector. Through workshops and role-playing exercises, you’ll practice relationship-building in real-time using innovative platforms.
By joining, you’ll also gain access to our interactive impact network, hosted on Google Maps, which connects you with global change-makers and agricultural professionals. This network provides valuable opportunities to share resources, access the latest research and technology, and engage in peer-to-peer learning.
Don't miss the chance to enhance your influence in agri-food systems and drive meaningful, global impact.