National Challenges and Opportunities Campaign
About the National Challenges and Oppurtunites porfolio
AgriFutures Australia’s National Challenges and Opportunities (NCO) portfolio represents a strategic initiative to tackle pivotal issues within the agricultural sector. The NCO campaign is a forward-thinking approach that aims to identify, comprehend, and address the significant challenges and opportunities that affect Australia’s rural industries. With a focus on sustainability, energy, carbon, and waste, these themes are critical in shaping a resilient agricultural future.
These priorities reflect a collective effort to enhance agricultural practices, reduce environmental impact, and foster long-term resilience. Initiatives that align with these themes are essential in ensuring that the agricultural sector can adapt to changing conditions and continue to thrive. It is through such strategic focus that the sector can contribute significantly to the nation’s economic and ecological well-being.
Projects
National Challenges and Oppurtunites resources
AI, climate and global shifts: Navigating the future of farming
The agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving, with a complex web of forces shaping the industry's future. This episode explores a new report from Agrifutures Australia that explores the "cross-sectional forces" set to impact the sector. Report author Sarah Nolet joins us to discuss the key findings, which cover everything from the rise of AI and mandatory climate disclosures to global conflict and systemic changes in production systems. Sarah explains how the report aims to guide the R&D community in addressing these interconnected challenges through collaborative, cross-industry efforts. We also hear from AgriFutures Senior Manager, Rural Futures Jane Knight on why this report is a critical resource for decision-makers, researchers and producers alike as they work to future-proof Australian agriculture.
Podcast
Farming the Future: The Role of Regional Manufacturing in Rural Growth and Resilience
In this episode, Matthew Peacock, Head of Agribusiness and Sustainability at Densu PR speaks to Jayne Knight, Senior Manager Rural Futures - AgriFutures Australia, Adrian Spencer, CEO at Sampano and Dr. Louise Brown, CEO and Founder of HydGene Renewables as they unveil the untapped potential of regional manufacturing in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Together, they explore the incredible opportunities in pulse processing, algae innovation, biomass transformation, green ammonia, and biofuels. Discover how Australia’s 12,000 species of algae could fuel local industries, and learn how green hydrogen from biomass waste is paving the way for sustainable ammonia production. Listen as our guests discuss the critical role of research, technology adoption, and workforce development in driving rural resilience and transforming regional economies. Tune in to hear how regional manufacturing can reshape our industries and secure a brighter, greener future!
Podcast
Project snapshot: Revenue opportunities for Australian rural industries from value-add, export and niche markets
When conditions in the agricultural sector change, and established ways of making a profit are less secure, many industry players look for new methods and...
Publication / 4 Pages
Project snapshot: Revenue opportunities and social licence risks from consumers’ changing environmental, social and governance expectations
Consumer expectations about Australian agriculture are evolving, especially for its social licence, and the environmental, social and governance (ESG) attributes of food products. When coupled...
Publication / 4 Pages
Revenue opportunities for Australian rural industries from value-add, export and niche markets
Australian agriculture faces numerous challenges, including fluctuating market demands, environmental regulations and the need for innovation to remain competitive. Within this context, there is a...
Publication / 85 Pages
Revenue opportunities and social licence risks from consumers’ changing environmental, social and governance expectations
The Australian agriculture industry is at a pivotal moment, facing evolving consumer expectations for the environmental, social and governance (ESG) attributes of food products. Changing...
Publication / 58 Pages
Non-intentional farm-related incidents in Australia – January 2025
AgHealth Australia has been leading research into deaths and injuries on farm since 2004, providing the most comprehensive evidence on which to build prevention approaches...
Publication / 3 Pages
Project Snapshot: Value chain collaboration in the Australian agriculture sector
For producers in Australian rural industries, a new potential revenue source has been identified. One such opportunity exists within and across supply chains – establishing...
Publication
Value chain collaboration in the Australian agriculture sector
The Australian agriculture industry is characterised by a diverse range of products contributing significantly to domestic and international markets. However, the complexity of supply and...
Publication / 44 Pages
Australian extension capacity and capability: A map and a gap analysis
The need for a robust and effective national extension system to support Australian agricultural industries is imperative to achieve impact at the production level. A...
Publication / 149 Pages
Uncovering and minimising global logistics disruption: Summary report, July 2022 – June 2024
COVID-19 significantly disrupted supply chain activities across all modes of freight and geographies. These disruptions, including domestic market disruptions resulting from a loss of export...
Publication / 24 Pages