ABARES Outlook 2026 featured a dynamic program with influential speakers and panellists from industry and government.
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Master of Ceremonies
Claire Taylor
2023 Nuffield Scholar and agriculture advocate
Welcome to Country
Paul House
The Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Dr Jared Greenville
Executive Director — ABARES
Dr Máximo Torero
Chief Economist — United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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.
Dr Jared Greenville
Executive Director — ABARES
Dr Máximo Torero
Chief Economist — United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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.
Facilitator
Dr Jared Greenville
Executive Director — ABARES
Presenter
Victoria Anderson
Secretary — DAFF
Panellists
Amelia Brown
Grains and Oilseeds — ABARES
Tom Killalea
Horticulture and Wine — ABARES
Sean Bellew
Australian Farm Performance — ABARES
Harrison Tuynman
Fisheries — ABARES
Fred Litchfield
Livestock — ABARES
Vincent Hemmings-Kavanagh
Forestry — ABARES
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.
Facilitator
Ben Fargher
Group Sustainability Lead (APAC) — Cargill
Presenter and panellist
David Galeano
Assistant Secretary, Natural Resources — ABARES
Panellists
Tony Mahar
Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
Diana Hallam
Chief Executive Officer — Australian Forest Products Association
Sean Sloan
Managing Director — Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
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.
Facilitator
Claire Taylor
2023 Nuffield Scholar and agriculture advocate
Guests
Katie McRobert
Executive Director — Australian Farm Institute
Liz Ritchie
Chief Executive Officer — Regional Australia Institute
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.
Facilitator
Su McCluskey
Interim Chief Executive — National Farmers Federation
Guests
Mick Keogh
Deputy Chair — Australian Consumer & Competition Commission
Dr Catherine de Fontenay
Commissioner — Productivity Commission
Master of Ceremonies
Claire Taylor
2023 Nuffield Scholar and agriculture advocate
Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
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.
Facilitator
Victoria Taylor
Chair — Agrifood Innovation Institute
Presenter
Andrea Willis
Assistant Secretary, Farm Performance and Information — ABARES
Panellists
Eduardo Barbosa
Research and Development Manager — Hort Innovation
Sam Brown
Chief Executive Officer — Agricultural Innovation Australia
Will Taing
Director – Beanstalk AgTech
Sarah Nolet
Co-Founder and Managing Partner — Tenacious Ventures
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.
Presenter
Vicki Manson
Group Executive — Australian Climate Service
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.
Facilitator
Leo Soames
Senior Economist, Farm Performance — ABARES
Panellists
Richard Heath
Chief Executive Officer — Zero Net Emission Agriculture CRC
Verity Morgan-Schmidt
Acting Chief Executive Officer — Farmers for Climate Action
Jacqui Vitas
General Manager, Methodology and Data Science Division — Australian Bureau of Statistics
Robert Mackenzie
Director — Macka’s Angus Beef
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? Our panellists will provide their raw, honest views on how best to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Australian agriculture in a globalised economy.
Facilitator
James Fell
Program Lead, Trade and Global Change — ABARES
Guests
Margo Andrae
Chief Executive Officer — Australian Pork Limited
Brett Hosking
President — Victorian Farmers Federation
Dr Pru Gordon
Executive Director — Australian Centre for Trade and Investment
Patricia Holmes
First Assistant Secretary, Trade and Law Division — DFAT
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.
Facilitator
Jo Stanion
First Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Policy Division — DAFF
Presenter
Kurt Hockey
Assistant Secretary, Agricultural Forecasting and Trade — ABARES
Panellists
Hamish McIntyre
President — National Farmers Federation
Claire McClelland
National Food Council Member
Brianna Casey
Managing Director — AgriFutures
Nick Rose
Executive Director — Sustain: The Australian Food Network
