A new article released today by ABARES and CSIRO analyses how five megatrends are influencing Australia’s food and fibre industries in the years to come.
Released in the Stocktake of Megatrends shaping Australian Agriculture, the article utilises the latest data and research to examine the ongoing transformative changes within the agriculture industry as well as the opportunities and challenges they will bring.
“The article seeks to help farmers, government and industry make informed decisions about an increasingly uncertain future,” said ABARES acting executive director, Jared Greenville.
The five megatrends are:
- Growth juggernaut: Three billion empowered consumers
- Fractal politics: Beware the dance of giants
- More from less: The permanent race for advantage
- Cascading planetary risks: Coming, ready or not
- Disruptive technologies: Opportunities for the brave.
“Each of the megatrends, and the sub trends we explore, involves challenges and opportunities. While the full implications of these megatrends might take decades to play out, it is useful to consider how we are positioned to respond to the changes coming our way,” said Greenville.
The article found that the Australian agriculture industry possesses critical strengths including positive long-term growth estimates in key markets as well as market-driven growth in productivity, innovation and competitiveness.
“Australian agriculture is well positioned, but it is critical that industry, government and communities have the tools and information they need to understand the risks and opportunities they face, so they can create a future they want,” Greenville said. “Well-informed decision making and risk management will remain central to Australian farming and we hope this Insights article supports this process.”