In a world shaped by changing consumer expectations and shifting trade policies, food company Cargill sees science and technology as central to strengthening food systems.
With 20 years of leadership experience in the food and beverage industry, Cargill’s Global Vice President of Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Affairs and TropAg plenary speaker Sean Leighton said the global opportunities offered a chance to lead.
“Our job is simple at its core: to make sure that food is safe, reliable, and trusted by the people who rely on it every day,” Mr Leighton said.
“That covers everything from beef and poultry to sweeteners, cocoa, animal feed, and more.
“What excites me is that our work helps to build confidence in food from farm to fork.
“Families everywhere should be able to sit down at the table knowing their food is safe and that is what drives us.
“We think rising consumer expectations are a powerful driver of innovation – working hand in hand with customers, suppliers and regulators to deliver safe and high-quality products aligned with emerging values around trust and wellbeing.
“Our teams partner globally to ensure compliance, maintain reliable service and keep safe, responsibly produced food moving from farmers to families worldwide.”
With more than 155,000 employees in over 70 countries, Cargill has been part of Australia’s food and agriculture landscape since 1967.
Its recent announcement that it will acquire 100 per cent of Teys Australia and Teys USA builds on a 14-year partnership with the Teys family, strengthening a shared commitment to delivering high-quality Australian beef to the world.
Mr Leighton will share with attendees at the TropAg conference the 2 areas he sees shaping the future of food.
- Food technology: Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools are reshaping how we detect, manage and even prevent risk, while staying grounded in operational reality. Cargill is embracing new tools to respond more quickly and precisely in protecting the global food system.
- Risk management: Managing risk across a global supply chain means building agility in how we think, connect and act to navigate data complexity, lead in food safety across multiple teams, and stay close to customer needs.
Australia's Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) is a platinum partner of TropAg 2025.
FaBA Director Dr Chris Downs said Mr Leighton’s participation in the Future Food theme of the conference was a boost for the region’s premier event.
“His keynote address will highlight the importance of Australia’s agrifood system in a global context,” Dr Downs said.
“We’re looking forward to the discussion it prompts.”
Mr Leighton will speak at TropAg on Wednesday 12 November.
The TropAg 2025 Conference will be held from November 11 to 13, 2025, at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane. View program and register www.tropag.com.au.
TropAg is hosted by The University of Queensland and backed by sponsors including the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA)and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
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Media: TropAg media, Natalie MacGregor, n.macgregor@uq.edu.au, +61 409 135 651.
The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland established with and supported by the Department of Primary Industries.
