Program

ABARES Outlook 2026 will be held over two days with two ways to participate. Both experiences will feature a dynamic program with influential speakers and panellists from industry and government. A mix of sessions will keep delegates engaged including keynote presentations, fireside chats, panels, and a debate on day two.

For more details contact abaresevents@aff.gov.au

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Day 1 – Tuesday 3 March

  • 8.00 am - 8.45 am: Registration opens + arrival tea and coffee
  • 8.45 am - 9.05 am

Conference opening and Welcome to Country

  • 9.05 am - 9.25 am

Opening Address

  • 9.25 am - 9.50 am

ABARES Address

  • 9.50 am - 10.15 am

Keynote Address

  • 10.15 am - 10.45 am

Session 1

Global horizons: An outlook for agriculture in Australia and beyond – Fireside chat

This fireside chat will explore the evolving landscape of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. As global demand for food grows and environmental challenges intensify, the future of farming faces both complexities and newfound opportunities.

  • 10.45 am - 11.15 am: Morning tea
  • 11.15 am - 12.30 pm

Session 2

Commodities spotlight: Insights and analysis - Panel

Hear the latest insights and analysis from expert ABARES commodity and farm data analysts as they discuss the medium-term economic outlook for key agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector commodities and farm incomes.

  • 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm: Lunch
  • 1.30 pm - 2.45 pm

Session 3

From soil to shore: Exploring land and sea use change in modern agriculture – Presentation & panel

The changing dynamics of land and sea use are being driven by the intersecting pressures of climate change, market competition and growing public expectations. This session will explore how terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are impacted and managed, while balancing productivity, sustainability and community interests.

  • 2.45 pm - 3.15 pm: Afternoon tea
  • 3.15 pm - 4.00 pm

Session 4

Cultivating trust: Navigating agriculture’s social licence – Fireside chat

As Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations increasingly shape business practices and public expectations, the agricultural sector faces new pressures and opportunities to demonstrate responsibility, transparency and sustainability. This fireside chat will dive into Australian agriculture’s social licence, a crucial factor for staying influential in policy decisions and driving bold industry growth.

  • 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Session 5

Fewer players, higher stakes: Who owns the future of food? - Fireside Chat

Consolidation across the food system – from inputs and farms to supermarkets and supply chains – can reshape markets, influence prices and alter relationships between farmers, retailers and consumers. Transparent market information can play a role supporting competition by ensuring informed decisions by farmers and consumers alike. This fireside chat will consider what will impact the future of competition in the sector and what it means for the future of Australian agriculture.

  • 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm: Welcome sundowners

Day 2 – Wednesday 4 March

  • 8.00 am - 8.30 am: Arrival tea and coffee
  • 8.30 am - 8.40 am

Day 2 Welcome

  • 8.40 am - 9.00 am

Opening Address

  • 9.00 am - 10.15 am

Session 6

Future farms: Unlocking productivity through innovation – Presentation & panel

Technology and innovative practices are reshaping Australian agriculture. Automation, precision farming, data analytic tools and other on-farm innovations are required to drive productivity, sustainability and competitiveness. This panel will discuss the opportunities for farmers and industry to embrace innovation and build the future of farming in Australia.

  • 10.15 am - 10.45 am: Morning tea
  • 10.45 am - 11.15 am

Session 7

Understanding climate risk: A foundation for national resilience - Presentation

Australia’s history of resilience and innovation positions it well to meet the challenges of a changing climate. By understanding climate risks and their impacts, we can take informed, proactive steps to adapt. Explore how turning uncertainty into opportunity can help shape a more resilient future.

  • 11.15 am - 12.15 pm

Session 8

Data-driven farming: Meeting climate and sustainability challenges together – Panel

Data and technology are transforming agriculture to better address climate change and sustainability goals. This panel will discuss the critical data needs for monitoring climate risks, improving resource management and supporting resilient farming practices. It will also highlight the opportunities and challenges in harnessing data-driven solutions to foster sustainable agriculture, enhance productivity and ensure environmental stewardship in a rapidly changing climate.

  • 12.15 pm - 1.15 pm: Lunch
  • 1.15 pm - 2.25 pm

Session 9

Guarding our patch or growing without borders? The future of Australian agriculture – Debate

How do we navigate the balance between protecting and nurturing Australia’s emerging and domestic agricultural industries – and – embracing free and open markets to maximise export opportunities? Two teams will face off on how best to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Australian agriculture in a globalised economy.

  • 2.25 pm - 2.30 pm: Intermission
  • 2.30 pm - 3.45 pm

Session 10

Growing Resilience: Agriculture and the future of food security in Australia – Presentation & panel

Resilience is critical to overcome and embrace the challenges and opportunities facing Australian agriculture. Ensuring food security amid climate change, navigating shifting markets, and keeping up with evolving consumer demands are just some of the key issues. Building resilient farming systems that support sustainable production, protect natural resources, and secure a stable food supply for future generations will be critical to our success.

  • 3.45 pm - 4.00 pm

Reflections + Closing

  • 4.00 pm: End of conference

Contact Us

For questions about tickets or registration contact outlooktickets@confco.com.au.

For all questions about the program or sponsorship contact abaresevents@aff.gov.au.

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ABARES is a division of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people the traditional custodians of the land where we work and where Outlook is hosted. We pay our Yadaba (respects) to the Traditional Custodians of this land, their culture, their language and elders both past and present.