Piper Alderman steps up for agribusiness
High profile national law firm Piper Alderman has signalled plans to increase their longstanding commitment to the agribusiness sector by stepping up as a state sponsor in South Australia for the Agribusiness Association of Australia.
Partner Simon Venus said the decision is a natural one for a firm whose own history is so intertwined with South Australia’s agribusiness beginnings.
“With our origins dating from the 1840s, Piper Alderman is one of the oldest legal firms in South Australia and from the earliest days the firm has acted for primary producers and the great pastoral houses that helped establish the state’s regional communities and underpin its economy,” Mr Venus said. “For over 160 years we have been advising clients in the agribusiness sector in Australia,” he said.
The Agribusiness Association of Australia aims to facilitate communication across the agri-food chain and to promote the contribution made by agribusiness to the Australian economy and community. The Association offers regular presentations on emerging trends and opportunities for members to hear from expert advisers, and a weekly emailed news digest service to keep members in touch.
Piper Alderman has a national team of specialists providing legal services to businesses in the sector, amongst them Constellation Wines Australia, Murray Goulburn, San Remo and Almondco Australia. Client interests stretch from coast to coast and diverse operations ranging from the wheat belt in Western Australia to intensive livestock operations in Tasmania. The firm has a particular focus on agribusiness clients who value add in the food, fibre and beverage industries post-farm gate.
“Supporting the agribusiness sector is not a fad for Piper Alderman,” Mr Venus said. “Though agribusiness may have had a higher profile than usual in the cities in recent times, we have always been part of the sector and we’re very proud of that,” he said.
“The work of the Agribusiness Association is to bring together diverse interests in the sector and we think facilitating that communication is vital to a vibrant future for agribusiness nationally.
“The agribusiness sector has faced tough times before and is facing great challenges now, but it is out of adversity that great innovation can be forged. Piper Alderman is delighted to be able to continue to support the sector with our sponsorship of the Association and to be part of building the future.”