Net Zero and Sustainable Food System Lunch

Delivered with consecutive interpreting

Konnichiwa. Good afternoon, everyone.

I begin by acknowledging Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai, Chair of Sakai Shokuhin Co Ltd and Trade and Investment Queensland Global Connector; CEO of Future Feed, Mr Alex Baker; Trade and Investment Queensland, Senior Commissioner for North Asia at Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Tak Adachi and Director of Queensland Operations, Mr Tony Burnett; distinguished guests.

Thank you, Tak for your kind words. As Governor of Queensland in Australia, I wish to express my gratitude to you and your fellow officials for the warm welcome you have given me and Graeme, and our Queensland delegation to Japan.

I’m delighted to welcome you today today’s luncheon to share some of Queensland’s world-leading sustainable agriculture practices. It’s wonderful to be in Tokyo for this mission which will inevitably foster greater business opportunities between Queensland and Japan.

Today, I’m looking forward to hearing from experts about Japan’s priorities and targets for carbon emission reduction and sustainable food, and also our Queensland representatives sharing how Queensland’s agricultural sector’s practices can assist you to achieve your goals.

My great thanks to Iron Chef and Queensland Global Connector Hiroyuki Sakai for hosting us at his fantastic restaurant, La Rochelle, for today’s session. You are a fantastic friend to Queensland, and we thank you sincerely.

Domo arigatou gozaimasu to our Japanese friends and partners, and to all those who make Queensland’s food and agri sector such a global success. At the outset, it’s important to recognise that Japan is Queensland’s fourth largest agricultural export market, valued at $1.65 billion in the year ended March 2025.

The major agricultural export items to Japan include cereals, vegetables and fruit – with our beef leading the way. Our Sunshine State is home to some of the most innovative and sustainable producers in the world and the development of cutting-edge AgriTech.

Queensland products are in demand around the world, proudly exporting quality and flavour to global markets, including right here in Japan.  Every bite produced in Queensland conveys a story of dedication, innovation and the passion of our food and beverage industry, from the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland.

Today is more than a discussion – it's a celebration of the deep ties between Queensland and Japan, built on trust, trade and shared values.

You will also hear from our leaders – including Trade and Investment Queensland’s Mr Tony Burnett – on Queensland’s livestock management for net-zero emissions. He will describe feed innovations, methane-reducing practices, and alternative protein sources.

We will also share some net-zero agribusiness models, including our strategies for achieving and maintaining net-zero emissions in food production.

And we’ll explain how Queensland is approaching emissions reduction and offset opportunities for farmers - and how farmers can participate in sustainability initiatives and offset programs.

As you can see, the business of food has many layers. Thank you for taking the time to join us today. And thank you once again for your wonderful hospitality.

I look forward to speaking with as many of you as I can about the opportunities ahead.

Thank you and enjoy today’s event.

Arigatou Gozaimasu.