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2025 Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, ACT.
GREAT HALL, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA 08.09.26

2026 Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement

The National Winner and Runner Up of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

News and event image for Building resilience from the ground up: Amelia Sofra named 2026 Gary Sansom Scholar
Chicken Meat

Building resilience from the ground up: Amelia Sofra named 2026 Gary Sansom Scholar

Emerging animal welfare researcher Amelia Sofra has been named the 2026 AgriFutures Gary Sansom Scholarship recipient, with her PhD research focused on advancing management approaches that support the welfare, productivity and sustainability of Australia’s chicken meat industry.

3 min read

News and event image for Meet Tom Hobbs: bringing practical ag experience and fresh thinking to Emerging Industries
Emerging Industries

Meet Tom Hobbs: bringing practical ag experience and fresh thinking to Emerging Industries

From contract sheep work to chartered accounting, Tom Hobbs’ career has always had one constant. A love of Australian agriculture. Stepping into the role of Manager, Emerging Industries at AgriFutures Australia, Tom brings a lifetime working in regional Australia, with hands‑on experience with producers and a sharp eye for risk, problem‑solving and opportunity.

3 min read

Our vision is to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries. Since our inception in 1990, AgriFutures Australia, formerly RIRDC, has grown and developed alongside our 13 levied industries and we’re honoured to continue this important role in supporting the growth and overall success of Australian agriculture.

Learn more about AgriFutures Australia

Current projects

honey bee pollination

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

La Trobe University

1 February, 2026 - 3 April, 2030

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Chicken Meat