IN MARKET INDUSTRY INSIDER X Cashing in on innovation Here Jai talks to Feedbackabout his role with MLA. Q: Explain how you came to a career in the red meat industry. I was a banker in financial markets and worked in the treasury of Rabobank, the world’s largest food and agriculture bank, for more than a decade. My role involved developing strategies to effectively engage with and attract funding from institutional and retail investors. After working at the bank, I was drawn to the ‘blue ocean’ of opportunity that exists in the agricultural technology and innovation space in Australia. There’s great demand for our produce domestically and abroad, so I see my current role as curating investment solutions for red meat industry innovation. Ahead for numbers has MDC brings together co‑investment taken Jai Anderson enterprises to deliver work thatbetween producers and individual Q: from banking to What does your role involve on a ‘investment attraction’ – benefits the industry, and has day‑to‑day basis? a new role at MLA designed an existing portfolio of more I work with value chain participants, MLA’s to keep the Australian than $330 million with an annual external innovation partners, investors and red meat and livestock expenditure of around $100 million. internal stakeholders on the best funding industry competitive on the Jai’s role is to identify and attract solutions for industry, and then implementing world stage. strategic capital that aligns with these solutions. Jai (pictured) stepped into the the research, development position of Investment AttractionManager for MLA Donor CompanyAustralian red meat industry.and innovation priorities of the Q: (MDC) in February, and focuses What are the best parts of your job? “The main focus is on opportunities I get the biggest kick out of being involved in on securing new funding partners that help create stronger projects that are aligned with my values as a for the sector. partnerships across the public and consumer. Playing my part in our carbon neutral “Red meat, and agriculture private sectors,” Jai said. strategy, CN30, and animal health and welfare more broadly, is an increasingly “This means strengthening the is very satisfying. important sector as the global population increases, so there’ll support we receive from state be a steady supply of investment and federal governments, aswell as identifying untapped Q: interest and opportunity. What’s your favourite red meat dish? potential within the private “The key for MLA is to position investor segment.” ■ One of my favourite dishes for entertaining ourselves in a way that will at home is cooking a medium‑rare eye fillet encourage strategic partners to coupled with a homemade chimichurri sauce, come on the innovation journey Jai Anderson complemented by a few deep glasses of shiraz. with us.” E: jjanderson@mla.com.au 46