Research
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Research Program
The Australian Farm Institute conducts research projects to provide the evidence base for leading the farm policy discussions which ensure a viable future for the Australian agricultural community.
As the only independent agricultural policy research organisation in the country, the AFI fulfils a vital role. Since 2004, the Institute has been delivering on its purpose of carrying out research into policy issues that impact on farmers, and to promote solutions that maximise their economic and social well-being. The valued supporters of the Institute have contributed to many significant areas of policy development.
The Institute’s research is overseen by a Research Advisory Committee consisting of experienced senior researchers and academics. The Committee assists in identifying strategic issues, and oversees the quality of research to ensure it is of the highest calibre and is conducted objectively.
Current & Recent Research
Published 18 Dec 2020
Farmers can suffer significant economic consequences from land use conflict. However, this research shows the most severe impacts from these disputes are largely non-financial. In key informant interviews conducted for the study, mental health, social and physical amenity, industry decline and erosion of trust emerged as the primary impacts of…
This project has assessed the effectiveness and impact of the Climate Research Strategy for Primary Industries (CRSPI) partnership over its 12-year life span with a focus on performance against the most recent strategic plan. The purpose of the assessment was to provide the CRSPI partners and stakeholders with information and…
New digital platforms (including blockchain) are being applied to agricultural value chains (AVCs) specifically to address and improve trust between AVC participants. Trust is a critical factor in AVCs ensuring coordinated supply and demand management of safe and legitimate food and fibre as well as financial transaction confidence and security….
Published 1 Dec 2020
Early in 2020 the Australian Farm Institute undertook a research project on behalf of the National Farmer’s Federation for Phase 1 of the Australian Farm Biodiversity Certification Scheme, which is a component of the Australian Government’s $34 million Agricultural Stewardship package. This project reviewed best practice management standards and collated extensive feedback…
Published 1 Apr 2019
The pursuit of agricultural enterprise in Australia is undoubtedly becoming an increasingly risky business. However, it is also evident that the Australian farm sector has continued to grow despite the absence of significant Government support and a limited range of commercial risk mitigation products. While good farm business practice has…
Published 1 May 2019
Lack of access to reliable and robust statistics about agriculture is a continuing frustration for many in the industry. The AFI has experienced this frustration, with the analysis for several of projects over the last few years constrained by availability of appropriate data. The problem of inconsistent or missing data…
Published 1 Jun 2019
Climate change is a ‘wicked problem’ representing not only a threat to the Australian agricultural sector’s profitability and international competitiveness but also to our long-term food security and the viability of some regional communities. The agriculture sector is both vulnerable to and partially responsible for the heightened challenges brought about…
Published 1 Feb 2020
While the impact of growth trends in vegetarian and flexitarian consumer segments on animal agriculture is often debated in industry circles, this analysis demonstrates continued and stable demand for traditional (animal-sourced) protein sources. Animal agriculture plays a significant role in the Australian economy and is likely to continue to do…