ABARES Outlook 2026 brought together leading voices across Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry to unpack the major forces shaping the sectors.
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View pictures from the 2026 event and download the presentations below.
Catch up on the discussions from the ABARES Outlook 2026 conference via the links below.
If you’d like access to the presentations, please email abaresevents@aff.gov.au.
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.
Image: The Hon Julie Collins MP during her opening address.
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.
Image: (L-R) Dr Máximo Torero and Dr Jared Greenville during Session 1.
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.
Image: (L-R) Vincent Hemmings-Kavanagh, Harrison Tuynman, Sean Bellew, Dr Jared Greenville, Fred Litchfield, Tom Killalea and Amelia Brown during Session 2.
This session explored how terrestrial and coastal ecosystems are impacted and managed, while balancing productivity, sustainability and community interests.
Image: (L-R) David Galeano and Tony Mahar during Session 3.
This session dug into Australian agriculture’s social licence, a crucial factor for staying influential in policy decisions and driving bold industry growth.
Image: (L-R) Katie McRobert, Liz Ritchie and Claire Taylor during Session 4.
This session considered what will impact the future of competition in the sector and what it means for the future of Australian agriculture.
Image: (L-R) Mick Keogh and Dr Catherine de Fontenay during Session 5.
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.
Image: Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm during his opening address.
This session discussed the opportunities for farmers and industry to embrace innovation and build the future of farming in Australia.
Image: (L-R) Eduardo Barbosa, Victoria Taylor and Will Taing during Session 6.
This session explored how turning uncertainty into opportunity can help shape a more resilient future.
Image: Vicki Manson presenting in Session 7.
This session explored the critical data needs for monitoring climate risks, improving resource management and supporting resilient farming practices.
Image: (L-R) Robert Mackenzie, Jacqui Vitas and Richard Heath during Session 8.
This session provided raw, honest views on how best to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for Australian agriculture in a globalised economy.
Image: (L-R) Patricia Holmes, Dr Pru Gordon, James Fell and Margo Andrae during Session 9.
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.
Image: (L-R) Brianna Casey, Nick Rose, Hamish McIntyre and Jo Stanion during Session 10.
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.
We extend our gratitude to conference sponsors Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) for their support.
For more information about out RDCs visit Council of Rural RDCs.
