Functional Grains Centre PhD student Ms Esther Callcott was selected to present her research in a five-minute pitch to the AgriFutures Australia evoke Ag conference in Melbourne in February.

“Presenting at evoke Ag was a fantastic opportunity to showcase agricultural research to a dynamic audience and highlight the importance of research in the agricultural sector,” Ms Callcott said.

Ms Callcott’s research is examining the health benefits of coloured rice, in particular the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

The evoke Ag conference focused on innovative technology and research discussing issues such as Indigenous bioethics, alternative protein sources and the future for the agri-food sector.

“This high-tech event also showcased mini-helicopters used in monitoring paddocks, deep-fried crickets and chocolate with meal worms and ants as an alternate protein source, and the upcoming young leaders in agriculture” Ms Callcott said.

“The conference also presented a unique segment called the ‘Pitch Tent’ which gave farmers the opportunity to pitch their problem to professionals to help find a solution.

“The problems ranged from database and software issues when selling livestock to a farmer wanting a detector to determine whether his bee hives contained a fatal microbe.

“The pitch tent was an engaging segment that allowed many to learn of the problems currently faced by Australian farmers.

“Evoke Ag was action-packed with ideas of innovation blooming in every conversation on how to improve Australian agriculture,” Ms Callcott said.