Australia’s rural industries must be prepared to adapt to and thrive amidst a complex and increasingly uncertain future. 

Global market dynamics and environmental conditions are shifting, putting pressure on leaders and policy makers to react and adapt. Technological improvements are accelerating rapidly, creating opportunities for new business models, industries, and value chains. Established practices, companies, and even entire industries, are being challenged and disrupted. 

Key stakeholder groups in Australia, such as the 15 RDCs, AIA, the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (and other relevant departments), and the National Farmers’ Federation, have an opportunity to make strategic investment and policy decisions today that will help them take advantage of emerging trends and mitigate against pending risks. 

The purpose of this project is to future-proof Australia’s rural industries by conducting a comprehensive horizon-scan to identify and explore the themes and trends shaping Australia's rural industries over the next 3-15 years. 

Specifically, the research team will leverage our multidisciplinary expertise and track-record of stakeholder engagement in Australian agri-food to ask: 

Where are we today? Conduct a horizon scan that identifies and prioritises the issues and trends apparent and emerging today that point us toward future risk and opportunity areas. 

Where could we be tomorrow? Identify insights and implications within the prioritised areas, summarised in four cross-sectoral scenario explorations, guided by key stakeholder engagement and our research on likely future innovations and disruptions.