GLOBAL MEAT SECTOR TO ENGAGE IN UN FOOD SYSTEMS SUMMIT

The global meat sector will be holding a Food Systems Dialogue on Wednesday 26 May (AEST) to inform the first-ever United Nations Food Systems Summit which will take place in New York in September.

The inaugural Food Systems Summit is drawing on the input of global experts to identify sustainable solutions for the future of food.  

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) are co-convening a Dialogue (alongside the Global Meat Alliance and in partnership with the International Meat Secretariat) to ensure the role meat protein plays in healthy, sustainable food systems is heard.

MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong, said the dialogue is an opportunity for the global meat sector to participate in the Food Systems Summit and work collaboratively on solutions that will benefit food producers and consumers.

“There are a number of significant meetings being held at an intergovernmental level during 2021 such as the Food Systems Summit and COP26. It’s so important for our industry to collectively engage at a pre-competitive level to ensure our work is represented and to further drive innovation and improvement for the sustainability of our sector,” Mr Strong said.

“This is why Meat & Livestock Australia are proud to convene this dialogue and encourage others, globally, to take part.”

The primary topics of discussion will be introduced by five leading experts in the respective areas:

  • Max Makuvise, Zimbabwe: Food security: What is the role of protein in feeding the growing world’s population?
  • Diana Rodgers, USA: What is the role of meat in the diet and what are the implications of going without?
  • Dr Frank Mitloehner, USA:  How can we sustainably manage existing food production systems to the benefit of both nature and people?
  • Dr John Gilliland, Ireland:  What is the role of the global meat sector in future-proofing our food systems and protecting against shocks and stresses?
  • Dr Frédéric Leroy, Belgium: How do we maintain a balanced debate and inclusive narrative?


From here, participants including producers, industry bodies, government, NGOs, global processors, butchers and retailers, will “breakout” to discuss the topics in more depth.

The dialogue will identify current progress of work and new ‘Game-Changing Solutions’ to share with the organisers of the UN Food Systems Summit following the event. The information will be used by organisers to inform the Summit’s five priority Action Tracks, as well as the preparatory work of its Scientific and Advisory Groups, Champions Network, and other Summit support structures.

To learn more about the Dialogue, visit: https://summitdialogues.org/dialogue/8886/

Agriculture

Working across key areas such as supply chain, animal welfare, and sustainable agriculture, you will get involved in all aspects of the agriculture and research and development areas within the business.

Environmental

This varied role will provide you with an opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the Environmental department and participate in continuous improvement projects within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Human Resources

As your skills and knowledge develop over time, you will get involved in all aspects of HR within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and your responsibility will increase.

Retail National Account Management

This exciting role will see you gain a wide range of business experience skills, providing support to major UK retail supermarket customer accounts. 

Operations & Commercial

Work in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment gaining a hands-on experience across all aspects of operations, production and commercial with a focus on continuous improvement. 

New Product Development

You will be involved in supporting and managing the NPD process to ensure new and re-developed products are launched successfully. 

Livestock procurement

An exciting opportunity to learn about all areas of livestock procurement within the business, gaining a full understanding of production and operations.

Food Safety & Quality

A hands-on opportunity to understand and impact on food safety, quality and animal welfare across a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Ensuring legislative compliance, customer excellence and continuous improvement.

Mechanical Engineering

As an engineering graduate you will be hands on and, on the go, working in a fast paced, busy environment overseeing electrical, mechanical and automation projects in a food manufacturing business.

Accounting & Finance

Gain a robust understanding in all aspects of the Finance Function with support at every step of the way to attain the professional qualifications needed to become a finance leader of the future.