Canberra, Australia | November 2026 — The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has announced that ABARES Outlook 2027 will take place on 2–3 March 2027 at Hotel Realm in Canberra, Australia, with online participation also available.
Organized by ABARES, a division of the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the two-day conference will bring together agricultural industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, economists and innovators to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.
Under the theme "Who Will Shape the Future of Australian Agriculture?", the conference will examine the economic, environmental and technological factors influencing the future of Australian agriculture, with a strong focus on productivity, profitability, sustainability and global competitiveness.
Addressing the Future of Australian Agriculture
For more than five decades, ABARES Outlook conferences have provided an important platform for agricultural economic analysis, industry discussions and evidence-based policymaking.
The 2027 conference comes at a time when Australian agriculture faces growing uncertainty from changing international trade conditions, rising production costs, climate-related pressures and evolving consumer expectations.
According to ABARES, the value of Australian agricultural production is forecast to decline by 5% to approximately AUD 99.4 billion in 2026–27, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and long-term industry planning.
The conference will use ABARES' latest economic research, commodity forecasts and industry analysis to examine how Australia's agricultural industries can respond to emerging challenges while maintaining international competitiveness.
Global Markets, Agricultural Trade and Food Security
International trade and food security will be among the central topics of ABARES Outlook 2027.
The conference will examine how geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and changing trade relationships are influencing agricultural markets and Australia's position in global food supply chains.
Discussions will also address the resilience of food production and distribution systems, including the importance of agricultural inputs, infrastructure, market accessibility and consumer affordability.
As global food demand continues to evolve, strengthening food security will require coordinated approaches involving producers, researchers, policymakers and supply chain stakeholders.
The conference aims to provide insights into the economic and policy decisions needed to support a more resilient agricultural sector.
Agricultural Innovation and Research for Improved Productivity
Innovation and agricultural research will play an important role in the conference programme.
A dedicated session, "Beyond R&D: How Do We Turn Investment into Impact?", will explore how research institutions, agricultural industries and producers can work together to accelerate the practical adoption of scientific discoveries and emerging technologies.
The discussion will focus on translating research investment into measurable improvements in farm productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
Digital agriculture, data-driven decision-making and technological innovation are increasingly important considerations for modern farming systems, particularly as producers seek to improve resource efficiency and respond to changing environmental conditions.
The conference will provide an opportunity to examine how research, innovation and investment can contribute to the long-term development of Australia's agricultural sector.
Sustainable Land Management and Climate Resilience
Sustainable agricultural practices and responsible land management will also feature prominently at ABARES Outlook 2027.
A session examining changes in Australia's agricultural landscapes will present findings from the National Agricultural Land Management Survey (NALMS), providing insights into current farming practices and the factors influencing sustainable land management.
The programme will also address increasing competition for land between agricultural production, renewable energy developments, housing, mining and environmental conservation.
These discussions are particularly important as Australia works to balance agricultural productivity with environmental protection and long-term resource sustainability.
By bringing together research findings and industry perspectives, the conference will explore opportunities to strengthen sustainable land management policies and support more resilient agricultural systems.
Fisheries, Forestry and the Broader Agricultural Economy
Beyond traditional crop and livestock production, ABARES Outlook 2027 will examine the future of Australia's fisheries and forestry industries.
Dedicated sessions will explore economic performance, environmental sustainability, resource competition and changing community expectations.
The conference will also consider the future of seafood production, including the challenges associated with access to marine resources, environmental pressures and evolving regulatory requirements.
In forestry, discussions will focus on balancing economic development, biodiversity protection, climate mitigation and competing land-use priorities.
These topics reflect the interconnected nature of Australia's agricultural and natural resource industries.
Strengthening Collaboration and Industry Decision-Making
ABARES Outlook 2027 will provide opportunities for collaboration between government representatives, industry professionals, agricultural researchers and investors.
The programme will include economic outlook presentations, expert discussions, panel sessions and debates addressing the future of Australian agricultural industries.
A new networking dinner will also be introduced, allowing participants to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and explore potential collaborations.
The conference's combination of economic forecasting, scientific research and industry perspectives is intended to support informed decision-making across Australia's agricultural sector.
Shaping a More Productive and Sustainable Agricultural Future
As Australian agriculture navigates changing global markets, technological advancements and environmental challenges, the importance of research-based strategies and cross-sector collaboration continues to grow.
ABARES Outlook 2027 will provide a national platform for examining these issues and identifying priorities for future agricultural development.
By focusing on economic resilience, innovation, food security, sustainable resource management and international competitiveness, the conference aims to contribute to the long-term prosperity of Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.
The event reinforces the importance of bringing together government, industry and research communities to develop practical approaches for a more productive, profitable and sustainable agricultural future.
Event Details
Event: ABARES Outlook 2027
Dates: 2–3 March 2027
Venue: Hotel Realm, Canberra, Australia
Participation: In-person and online
Organizer: Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)
Theme: Who Will Shape the Future of Australian Agriculture?
Early Bird Registration Deadline: 11 December 2026
Registration and Further Information: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/event/abares-outlook
Source: Australian Government – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) / ABARES.
