Hort Innovation Chair Julie Bird recently participated in the 2026 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in Guangzhou, China, contributing to regional discussions on food system resilience, innovation and public-private collaboration.

 

Held as part of China’s year as host of APEC, the Senior Officials’ Meeting brings together representatives from all 21 APEC economies across a program of high‑level economic, policy and technical discussions focused on shared regional challenges, including food security and sustainable agri‑food systems.

 

Ms Bird took part in discussions within the APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, where participants explored practical strategies to strengthen supply chains and support farmers and consumers across the Asia‑Pacific region. Drawing on Australia’s Research and Development Corporation (RDC) model, Ms Bird shared how long‑term co‑investment plays a critical role in moving research and innovation beyond the lab and onto farms.

 

“Australia’s RDC model demonstrates what’s possible when producers and government co‑invest,” Ms Bird said. “There was significant APEC interest in how the power of this partnership is turning research into real‑world impact, strengthening competitiveness, sustainability and confidence across our agri‑food systems.”

 

Hort Innovation’s experience contributed to broader APEC discussions on how innovation, investment and collaboration can strengthen agri‑food systems. Ms Bird’s participation reflects the organisation’s role in connecting growers, research and industry, and sharing Australia’s grower‑led R&D approach with international audiences.