Ironwood Institute is honoured to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Australian Philippine Business Council (APBC), marking a significant milestone in our joint commitment to advancing agriculture research, training, education, and exchange with the Philippines.
The MOU was signed at the Australia‑Philippines Agriculture & Innovation Forum at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus. The agreement was executed by Navtej Bal, CEO of Ironwood Institute, and Rafael Toda, President of APBC. The signing ceremony was attended by key industry and government representatives, including Patrick Kearins, Senior Manager, Global Engagement and Trade Operations at Austrade; Mark Ryan, Strategic Growth Director, Three Birches; Robyn Verrall, Chair of Agribusiness, Food, Wine & Beverage; Mick O’Neill, Vice President of the SA Australian Philippine Business Council; and Ian Lewis, Lewis Agri-Food Chain Solutions. The event was officially witnessed by Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, Undersecretary for High Value Crops from the Philippines Department of Agriculture.
Hosted by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)/ Department of Primary Industries and Regions, the forum brought together Philippine government leaders and South Australian agritech innovators, fostering an inspiring exchange of ideas and opportunities.
This strategic collaboration underscores our shared vision of cultivating a future of innovation in agriculture, creating new pathways for sustainable growth and development in both nations.
