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Research Program

The Australian Farm Institute contracts approximately four major research projects to external providers each year, as well as conducting various projects internally.

The Institute’s research is overseen by a Research Advisory Committee consisting of experienced senior researchers and academics. The Committee identifies strategic issues, and oversees the quality of research to ensure it is of the highest calibre and is conducted objectively.

A particular challenge the Institute faces is the identification of projects that should gain support and be implemented. A six-step process is used by the Institute, which includes an investigation of emerging farm sector issues both nationally and internationally; identification of future trends and events that are likely to bring an increased focus on specific farm-sector issues; and final approval from the Board of Directors.

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Current Research

The Institute currently has the following projects underway:

Pathways for Australian primary industries climate research strategy

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…

Managing farm-related land use conflicts in NSW

Land use conflict has significant effects on primary producers and the agricultural sector in NSW. With agricultural land occupying more than 80% of the State, these conflicts also impact on many communities attached to or dependent on farming. Farm-related land use conflict in NSW extends beyond neighbourhood amenity disputes and…

Defining and quantifying the components of trust in agricultural supply chains

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….

Farm Biodiversity Scheme

In 2019 the Australian Government announced funding for the implementation of an Australian Farm Biodiversity Scheme, to be developed and led by the National Farmers’ Federation. As part of the Agriculture Stewardship Package, the aim of the scheme is to reward farmers for managing biodiversity on farm through market-based mechanisms…

Australian agriculture: an increasingly risky business

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…

Reinventing Australian agricultural statistics

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…

Data Economics Infrastructure Technology

Change in the air: Defining the need for an Australian agricultural climate change strategy

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…

Climate Environment Natural Capital Risk

The changing landscape of protein production: opportunities and challenges for Australian agriculture

Published 1 Feb 2020

The AFI has conducted an evidence-based research project investigating the rise in alternative protein sources to the Australian agricultural industry to enable the industry to capitalise on future opportunities and overcome challenges presented by this trend. The project investigated outcomes for the entirety of the agricultural industry, including sectors such…

Beef Business Environment Livestock Markets