They will look at opportunities for branding  the south-west as a food bowl for growing, processing and selling.

Representatives of lobby groups Farmer Power and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation will speak about grassroots needs, while key leaders including federal MP Sid Sidebottom, Murray Goulburn chief executive Gary Helou and Visy chairman Anthony Pratt will look at the big picture.

The summit has been organised by Warrnambool City Council with the Great South Coast group and The Global Foundation. 

Co-ordinator and Warrnam-bool City councillor Jacinta Ermacora said the discussions would consider farming, manufacturing, transport and other industries.

“We are broadening horizons for existing enterprises and exploring opportunities,” she said.

“The purpose is to bring together all the sectors and I’m hoping a decision will be made to develop a food plan which expresses the role we play in feeding the world and identify the barriers. The challenge is how we are going to feed a hungry world and how we are going to meet the challenges and opportunities.”

Cr Ermacora first hit on the idea of a summit two years ago when she met Global Foundation executive Steve Howard, formerly of Warrnambool, who helped organise several discussion forums.

“It came to me that we needed a plan, good data and a uniform voice,” she said.

She said a food plan document could include transport needs, legislation and policy changes necessary to assist food production industries.

The summit will be held on May 23 and 24 in the Quality Suites Deep Blue conference room, starting with an opening reception  followed by a daytime forum from 8.30am to about 3pm.

Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required through apaton@warrnambool.vic.gov.au