About ABARES

We work at the interface between research and policy, with strong connections to agricultural, fisheries and forest industries, with strengths across agricultural and natural resource economics and sciences. 

ABARES undertakes a number of different activities:

• data collection and management, including undertaking farm, forestry and fisheries surveys, publishing official statistics nationally and internationally, and ensuring the discoverability, accessibility and usability of our data holdings
• forecasting the price, volume and value of Australian agricultural output, for a wide range of farm, fishery, and forestry commodities
• undertaking and publishing public good research and analysis on issues of relevance to Australian agricultural, forestry and fisheries policy and industries
• providing analysis and advice directly to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, and other government agencies.

Our work is arranged in nine themes under the three high-level objectives of the Department of Agriculture, as set out on below.

Before setting our research priorities for the year ahead, we consult with stakeholders within and beyond the department to identify current and emerging issues over the next three-to-five years. We use this process to shape and focus our near-term research and other activities, including the development of new research and analytical capacity where required. This also helps identify opportunities for collaboration with our stakeholders and other research organisations.

The ABARES Work Plan summarises our priorities and project themes for 2019-20.

The work is delivered by nine research programs that map closely to the themes, each responsible for several projects.

From 2019, ABARES will publish an annual summary and overview of our publications, outputs and other activities for the previous financial year, complementing the Department’s annual report.

ABARES was established in 1945 as the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, with a focus on understanding the economic structure and performance of primary industries.

In the 1950s, the bureau began its farm surveys programme, which is still providing a rich source of information on the performance of the farm sector today. It also began regular assessments and forecasts of a range of commodity markets.

The popular Outlook conferences, which are now run throughout Australia, began in 1971 providing opportunities for delegates to hear about the latest agricultural trends and issues from bureau economists and external speakers.

ABARES has now hosted 48 national Outlook conferences— and many more in regional Australia —which are recognised as Australia’s leading agricultural economics forums.

In 1988, the bureau combined with related research agencies to become the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics—ABARE. This broadened the bureau’s research focus to include energy and minerals markets and major issues such as climate change.

Today’s organisation, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, was formed following a merger with the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) in 2010.

This strengthened the bureau, allowing it to conduct integrated economic, scientific and social research.

• Leadership team

We have a diverse range of clients encompassing the agriculture, food, forest, fisheries, productivity and water sectors. They include federal and state government department's and agencies, portfolio-related companies and agencies, research and development corporations, and industry groups.

ABARES funding comprises approximately 80 per cent direct appropriation and administered funding from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, with the balance received in earned revenue from divisions of the department, its portfolio agencies, other government departments and the private sector.

Contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help your organisation.

• Minister for Agriculture — Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
• Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management — the Hon David Littleproud MP
• Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries — Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam