They may be competitors on the world stage, but oilseed producers from across the globe will meet in Sydney next week to discuss trade issues borne out of a number of key geopolitical changes, including international leadership and Brexit, experienced over the last 12 months.

American Soybean Association (ASA) CEO Steve Censky, ASA President Ron Moore and United Soybean Board’s (USB) John Motter, along with U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) representatives Jim Sutter, Roz Leek and ASA Director Jim Miller, will attend the event.

The Oilseed Producer’s Dialogue (IOPD), will draw producers from Australia, Europe and South and North America to Sydney with the key aim of promoting collaboration across common interests and objectives. It will be held in Sydney June 26-27 before heading on-farm in Central West New South Wales later in the week.

The event will be hosted by the Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF), the peak industry body for Australian oilseeds, and Executive Director Nick Goddard is looking forward to showing off Sydney and local farming systems.

“Trade will certainly be a hot topic at this year’s meeting, following the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, uncertainty around what Brexit might mean for trade in Britain and Europe, and new leadership in the US, France and UK,” Goddard said.

“Biotechnology, and growing pressure from some importing countries around residues, also have the potential to impact trade and will be discussed at length

“Another issue at the forefront of the dialogue will be increasing restrictions by some countries on the way oilseed producers operate, particularly in relation to the use of  critical farm chemicals.

“It’s important for us to see what is happening globally with farmers and the limitations being put on farming practices, to look at the big picture of the global oilseed business.

“It really highlights that we all have the same goals, and it helps us to find ways to work together to achieve these goals.”

The IOPD was established in 1998 to develop and promote a sound business environment to allow oilseed producers to remain viable for current and future generations. Members support trade liberalisation, and science-based systems for both Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and sustainable technologies, including biotechnology.

The sessions in Sydney will include presentations from each participating country, and discussions on global markets, international trade, research and development, chemical residues, and new breeding techniques.

Delegates will then head to Parkes, Forbes, Eugowra and Orange for two days, where they will visit several farms, saleyards, crushing plants and other sights.