Comfort Onyaga is a strategic leader with a diverse background in Market Systems Development, Policy Advocacy, and International Development. She has successfully driven systemic change through global partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and innovative solutions in her previous roles as the Founder & CEO of CLICE Foundation and Izanu Africa. Her work spans policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on project leadership, focusing on promoting sustainable practices and addressing systemic challenges to livelihood and food security. Passionate about influencing behavioral change across food systems, Comfort brings strong experience in multi-stakeholder collaboration, cross-functional team leadership, and developing long-term sustainability strategies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Food Security and committed to driving positive environmental and social impact. Currently serves as the Secretary, Environment Committee at the UN Association of Australia - Western Australia and ready for new challenges.

Katie Henderson, MMart. is a doctoral candidate in Marketing at the University of Auckland Business School. Her research uses qualitative methods to engage with stakeholders and consumers to better understand perceptions toward emerging food technologies. Katie has a Master of Marketing and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Food Science) from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Broadly, her research interests focus on technology adoption, business innovation, sustainability, consumer behaviour, and stakeholder engagement. She has previously worked in the food industry as a purchaser of international food products and as a Research Assistant at Plant and Food Research. She currently works at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as a Research Specialist, helping New Zealand businesses to better understand their export markets and grow.

Louis Batley is an Agricultural and Environmental Consultant based in New Zealand. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm inspired his passion for agriculture, leading him to complete a Master’s in AgriBusiness. His career has included hands-on experience on farms worldwide, providing him with a broad perspective on global farming practices. While studying, Louis participated in the IFAMA Student Case Study Competition, an experience he values and actively promotes. His work focuses on analysing New Zealand farm systems with an emphasis on climate change and sustainability. Committed to collaboration and innovation, Louis is always eager to learn about diverse farming systems and contribute to shaping a sustainable agricultural future.

Jacobus Kok, PhD, combines his farming background with cutting-edge research and innovation to tackle the environmental challenges of modern agriculture. He works at Rumenaut, a start-up dedicated to reducing methane emissions from ruminant animals through innovative feed types, additives, and technology. Holding a PhD from Lincoln University, where he focused on mitigating nutrient loss from dairy farms, Jacobus blends practical agricultural experience with a passion for commercialising science and advancing applied research. He is dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders, and contributing to the global effort toward sustainable food production.

Erena Calder Hawkins, MBE, thrives at the intersection of innovation and collaboration, and is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and researchers to bring transformative ideas to life. Erena specialises in fostering innovation in the agrifood sector by supporting early-stage ventures to scale and succeed. With a strong focus on designing and executing impactful programmes like the Idea Validation programme, Germinate and the Women Accelerator and pitch event, Rise Up, Erena is dedicated to bridging the gap between groundbreaking ideas and real-world applications. Erena's journey in the agrifood ecosystem spans both New Zealand and the United States, including an international fellowship with the plant trait start-up, ZeaKal. Erena is also passionate about the role of indigenous knowledge in agriculture. Erena previously worked for the Pouhere Māori (Indigenous Strategy) team at the dairy co-operative, Fonterra. Erena holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biotechnology (UoW) and a Master of Bioscience Enterprise (UoA).

Loamé Kok,BSc, obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Otago in 2020, with a major focus in Genetics, and additional interests in business, statistics and health. Having grown up in South Africa, among a family of passionate farmers, she was fortunate to be immersed into the agricultural industry from a young age. After graduating she crossed paths with international agritech consultancy, AbacusBio, through various internships, and have worked for them as a consultant for the last four years. She is incredibly passionate about bridging the gap between business, science and technology, and connecting stakeholders through shared purpose and practical innovation. She also has a keen interest in science communication, and understanding relevant market trends as the industry continues to evolve and shift towards sustainable practices; environmentally, socially and economically. She is eager to further her education and continue playing her part in fostering collaboration within the food and fibre sector while inspiring young people to create meaningful change.

Aidan Bright is a Land Management Officer at Taranaki Regional Council. Aidan works with farmers to develop, implement and monitor farm environment plans. They provide environmental and regulatory guidance to enhance farm businesses sustainability, by managing freshwater resources, and restoring biodiversity. Aidan holds a Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness with a major in International Agribusiness. He has work experience in dairy, kiwifruit, industry good organisations, and rural banking. His professional interests include farm systems management, optimisation, resilience, and technology, as well as natural resource economics, and politics. Dedicated to the community Aidan also volunteers with Towards Predator Free Taranaki as a pest trapper, as a manager at his community not-for-profit movie theater and as a surf lifeguard at his local beach.

Sarah Wilson's passion for international agribusiness can be traced right back to her hometown of Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world. Sarah has Bachelor of International Agricultural Business from Massey University, where she has gained a broad overview of the international food and fibre industry. Through her studies she has had the opportunity to intern at Zespri, as well as an international internship in Mexico City with Nestle, courtesy of the Prime Minister Scholarship for Agriculture and Sustainability. Since leaving university, Sarah has moved to Silver Fern Farms, where she is a Global Insights Analyst. Whether she’s on the Food and Fibre Youth Council, sitting on the International Food and Agribusiness Association Oceania Youth Board, or working at Silver Fern Farms, there is one common theme… Sarah is passionate about both people and the primary sector!