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.
Published 4 Nov 2022
More than ever, farmers need strong, effective advocates. However, organic growth in the advocacy ecosystem across disparate regions and sectors has led to duplication of structures and replication of intent. Australian agricultural advocacy is riddled with issues – and rich in resources. To adapt effectively, agricultural advocates must take personal…
Published 31 Aug 2022
Sustainability is at the heart of Australian farming. Producing food and fibre sustainably means practicing responsible stewardship of the environment, taking care of people and animals, and ensuring economic resilience for the community and industry. The AASF communicates the sustainability status and goals of the Australian agricultural industry to markets…
Published 28 Oct 2021
This paper considers how the agriculture sector can leverage stimulatory regional investment to ensure enduring economic stability and social benefits by establishing a virtuous cycle of beneficial impacts. A strong agricultural sector, availability of regional jobs and financial capital, and improved regional liveability are not only linked but interdependent. While…
Published 16 Aug 2021
Government policies aimed at addressing risk in Australian agriculture have a long and chequered history. While a range of government programs and schemes intended to improve management of financial risks is available to Australian farmers, there is little evidence to indicate that the majority of past policies can be considered…
Published 1 Jul 2021
Trust is an essential enabling factor for the smooth and efficient operation of agricultural value chains (AVCs). It is critical in ensuring coordinated supply and demand management of safe and legitimate food and fibre products and underpins financial transaction confidence and security.
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…
Published 14 Dec 2020
From Dec 7-11th 2020, the AFI and the Sydney Institute of Agriculture hosted a series of conversations about the future of conservation ag. The online conference is available as a webinar series of 5 x 2-hour videos (10 hours total) – FREE for AFI members and $49.50 for non-members. (Members…
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 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…
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 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 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…