Agriculture leaders have wrapped up the first day of the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) biennial Leaders’ Summit in Canberra, after discussions spanning global uncertainty, food security and growing competition for agricultural land.
The sold-out summit brought together 250 farmers, ministers, economists, policy experts, government officials and representatives from across the agricultural supply chain at the National Gallery.
The day’s discussions focused on the economic, geopolitical and domestic forces shaping Australian agriculture, including how the sector can grow amid increasing uncertainty.
Participants also examined security, sovereignty and the global economy, as well as competing demands for agricultural land from the energy transition, housing and critical minerals.
Food security and changing consumer expectations were also on the agenda, with discussions exploring opportunities to strengthen connections between farmers and consumers and reinforce food security as a national priority.
Speakers included NFF president Hamish McIntyre and chief executive Michael Guerin, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, Shadow Agriculture Minister Darren Chester and Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Australia, Carly Volkes, were also among the speakers.
Representatives from Woolworths, Nutrien, Port of Melbourne, Austrade, CommBank, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and AgriFutures took part in the summit.
The day is set to conclude at Parliament House with a cocktail event celebrating Australian agriculture reaching its $100 billion goal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor are due to address the evening event in the Great Hall.
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