South Australia will Host the 2024 International Wheat Congress

Adelaide has been chosen as host city for the third International Wheat Congress 2024. Agtech is one of the South Australian Government’s key economic growth pillars and the win is important as an economic driver for the State, and also as global recognition of the State’s commitment to, and success in, the Agtech sector.

The 2024 International Wheat Congress will attract some 1000 delegates to South Australia over its five-day program and provide an economic benefit in excess of $5 million.

SA Premier Hon Steven Marshall MP said he was delighted that the Congress had selected Adelaide as its host destination for the International 2024 business event. “Hosting this prestigious Congress is an exciting opportunity to showcase globally why South Australia is such a successful leader in Agtech”.

Mr Marshall said the State looked forward to welcoming international and national delegates and would be encouraging them to seek out long-term business and research collaborations while in Adelaide. “We will also be encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy the wonderful tourism experiences we can offer,” he said.

The successful bid team was led by the Adelaide Convention Bureau, (ACB) with the University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI). As always it came with strong support from the South Australian Government, and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program.

Wheat is one of Australia’s largest exports because of its consistent high quality. Some 70 per cent of the average 22 million tonnes produced annually is traded globally. Within South Australia, the $2.4 billion wheat industry represents 12 per cent of national exports and is an integral part of the world-renowned grains research programs of the University of Adelaide.

Wheat breeding efforts undertaken at the University’s Waite Institute have underpinned the national sector for many decades, with South Australian-based wheat varieties consistently representing a major share of the annual wheat harvest.

Damien Kitto, ACB Chief Executive, said the ACB’s strategy for winning business events for South Australia to underpin the State Government’s key economic drivers, is delivering an increasingly long-term success story for the entire state.

“This significant international business event win, in addition to the successful World Potato Congress bid, certainly adds merit to our approach in attracting Agtech events and to our reputation internationally as an agriculture destination specialist,” he said. “With the sector a substantial part of our state’s economy and food security, having Adelaide as the host destination for this event is significant."

“This is a great win for Adelaide given food and agribusiness is such a significant sector for the state,” said Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison. “The long lead time involved in securing these large-scale conferences means that by securing wins such as this one now, we are ensuring Australia remains a strong choice for global event decision makers into the future.”