Conference opening

The ABARES Outlook 2026 conference opening featured a Welcome to Country by Paul House, and addresses from The Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Dr Jared Greenville, ABARES Executive Director.

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Image: The Hon Julie Collins MP during her opening address.

A person gives a presentation on a stage in front of a raised dais
Two people sitting on a stage in conversation

Session 1 – Global horizons: An outlook for agriculture in Australia and beyond

This keynote address from FAO Chief Economist Dr Máximo Torero and fireside chat explored 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.

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Image: (L-R) Dr Máximo Torero and Dr Jared Greenville during Session 1.

Session 2 – Commodities spotlight: Insights and analysis

This session opens with a short address from DAFF Secretary Victoria Anderson, followed by insights from ABARES analysts on the medium‑term economic outlook for major agriculture, fisheries, and forestry commodities, as well as farm income prospects.

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Image: (L-R) Vincent Hemmings-Kavanagh, Harrison Tuynman, Sean Bellew, Dr Jared Greenville, Fred Litchfield, Tom Killalea and Amelia Brown during Session 2.

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Two people sitting on a stage

Session 3 – From soil to shore: Exploring land and sea use change in modern agriculture

This session explored how terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are impacted and managed, while balancing productivity, sustainability and community interests.

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Image: (L-R) David Galeano and Tony Mahar during Session 3.

Session 4 – Cultivating trust: Navigating agriculture’s social licence

This session dug into Australian agriculture’s social licence, a crucial factor for staying influential in policy decisions and driving bold industry growth.

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Image: (L-R) Katie McRobert, Liz Ritchie and Claire Taylor during Session 4.

Three people sitting on a stage in conversation
Two people sitting on a stage in conversation

Session 5 – Fewer players, higher stakes: Who owns the future of food?

This session considered what will impact the future of competition in the sector and what it means for the future of Australian agriculture.

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Image: (L-R) Mick Keogh and Dr Catherine de Fontenay during Session 5.

Day 2 Welcome and opening address

Day 2 of ABARES Outlook 2026 featured a welcome from MC Claire Taylor, and an opening address from Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

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Image: Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm during his opening address.

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Three people sitting on a stage in conversation

Session 6 – Future farms: Unlocking productivity through innovation

This session discussed the opportunities for farmers and industry to embrace innovation and build the future of farming in Australia.

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Image: (L-R) Eduardo Barbosa, Victoria Taylor and Will Taing during Session 6.

Session 7 – Understanding climate risk: A foundation for national resilience

This session explored how turning uncertainty into opportunity can help shape a more resilient future.

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Image: Vicki Manson presenting in Session 7.

A person gives a presentation on a stage in front of a raised dais
Three people sitting on a stage in conversation

Session 8 – Data-driven farming: Meeting climate and sustainability challenges together

This session explored the critical data needs for monitoring climate risks, improving resource management and supporting resilient farming practices.

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Image: (L-R) Robert Mackenzie, Jacqui Vitas and Richard Heath during Session 8.

Session 9 – Debate: Guarding our patch or growing without borders? The future of Australian agriculture

This session provided raw, honest views on how best to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Australian agriculture in a globalised economy.

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Image: (L-R) Patricia Holmes, Dr Pru Gordon, James Fell and Margo Andrae during Session 9.

Four people sitting on a stage in conversation
Four people sitting on a stage in conversation

Session 10 - Growing resilience: Agriculture and the future of food security in Australia

This session explored how 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.

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Image: (L-R) Brianna Casey, Nick Rose, Hamish McIntyre and Jo Stanion during Session 10.

Episode3 interviews

At ABARES Outlook 2026, Andrew Whitelaw and Matt Dalgliesh of Episode3 provided live commentary and interviews with various panellists for the online audience during breaks.

Day 1 – Morning tea – Australian Farm Institute Executive Director Katie McRobert chats about social licence

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Katie McRobert and Matt Dalgleish chat during morning tea.

Day 1 – Lunch – Dr Jared Greenville, ABARES Executive Director follows up after the commodities panel discussion

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Dr Jared Greenville and Matt Dalgleish chat following the commodities panel session.

Day 1 – Afternoon tea – Australian Forest Products Association's CEO Diana Hallam chats about land and sea use change

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Diana Hallam and Matt Dalgleish chat during afternoon tea.

Day 2 – Pre-conference – Maccas Angus Beef farmer Robert Mackenzie chats about the future of farming

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Robert MacKenzie and Matt Dalgleish chat before day 2 kicks off.

Day 2 – Morning tea - Agricultural Innovation Australia's CEO Sam Brown chats about farming and innovation

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Sam Brown and Matt Dalgleish chat during morning tea.

Day 2 – Lunch - Australian Pork Limited's CEO Margo Andrae chats about protecting domestic agricultural industries vs. free open trade

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Three people sitting at a table in front of laptops
(L-R) Andrew Whitelaw, Margo Andrae and Matt Dalgleish chat before the session 9 debate.