From combating climate extremes and water scarcity, to increasing input costs and evolving consumer values, Australia’s agricultural sector is reaching a turning point.
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As a result, producers and agri-entrepreneurs across the country are trialling new crops, alternative protein sources and tech-driven solutions that promise improved economic and environmental performance.
The goal?
Building a farm sector that is more resilient, sustainable and diversified so that it can withstand evolving climatic conditions and continue contributing substantially to fast-growing international and domestic markets.
These evolving market demands and sustainability concerns have also inspired Australian agribusinesses to invest in more alternative crops and products.
Here are just some of the key investments driving the future of Australian agriculture into a new, globalised age.
1. Medicinal Cannabis
Cannabis is no longer just the poster child for controversy.
In fact, it’s rapidly becoming one of Australia’s most promising agricultural industries.
With growing demands for domestic medical use and international exports, Australia is positioning itself as a global player in the production of high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis.
In Australia, our cannabis industry spans not only seed and plant cultivation and processing, but also industry research, biotech and even wellness retail innovations.
What makes this crop especially exciting is how adaptable it is.
Growers can choose between different types of cannabis seeds depending on their climate, target market (THC or CBD dominant), and growing setup. Indoor hydroponics?
Outdoor organic?
There’s a seed for that.
Cannabis is also relatively water-efficient compared to thirsty crops like cotton.
This makes cannabis a suitable crop for growing in arid regions and also on otherwise non-arable land, allowing Australian agribusinesses to utilise more regional real estate for production and cultivation purposes, and bring more agricultural jobs to regional areas nationwide.
2. Industrial Hemp
From clothing and bioplastics to construction materials, animal feed and carbon- sequestering soil enrichment, industrial hemp can be applied in a plethora of uses.
This versatile crop grows quickly, needs little input and naturally suppresses weeds, making it an ideal high-volume, high-application investment for Australian agriculture.
Alongside being applicable for many different industries, industrial hemp’s low environmental impact is also a huge drawcard for ecological efforts in Australia.
On a per hectare basis, industrial hemp absorbs more CO2 than most forests, enhances soil structure and grows readily with little or no pesticides.
This makes industrial hemp a strong contender for regenerative agriculture systems across regional Australia that are seeking to revive degraded soils or diversify away from monoculture cropping.
On the economic side, demand for hemp-based products is exploding globally, and Australia’s clean-green image gives our producers a clear branding edge.
It’s likely that more Australian-made hemp products (including beauty products and even construction materials) will enjoy success in domestic and global markets in the near future.
3. Insect Protein
It may sound a little squeamish, but insect farming is on the rise— and it isn’t solely for novelty snacks.
With growing demand for alternative proteins, insects are increasingly being viewed as an important resource — for humans, livestock and pets.
Insect farming uses a lot less land, water and energy than most traditional agricultural products.
Add to this equation that insects can also be fed with organic waste streams, and it’s clear that insect farming can play a vital role in creating a circular economy in our agricultural sector.
Native species such as witjuti grub and bogong moth, as well as non-native varieties such as black soldier fly larvae and mealworms, are already being vetted for agricultural production around Australia.
These pint-sized powerhouses turn waste into high-quality protein and fertiliser at lightning speed, and they can be farmed in modular, scalable systems that suit both urban and rural settings.
4. Indigenous Crops
Bush foods such as macadamias, fingerlimes, Kakadu plums, native yams and wattleseed have nourished First Nations communities for tens of thousands of years.
Now, they’re showing up in gourmet cuisine, skin care, health supplements, and worldwide wellness markets.
Native crops are also uniquely able to cope with Australia’s conditions and will therefore be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Most indigenous crops generally use less energy and resource inputs, are more naturally pest resistant, and help preserve local biodiversity.
Better still, when developed with the guidance and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, indigenous agriculture showcases a way of preserving culture, creating economic opportunities, and putting reconciliation in action.
5. Aquaculture & Sustainable Fish Farming
With wild fish stocks on the decline and demand still growing by the day, aquaculture is stepping up to meet the shortfall, and Australia is positioning itself as a big player.
From tropical barramundi and Murray cod to oysters, mussels, and seaweed, our different ecosystems can accommodate a range of healthy farmed aquatic species.
Today’s aquaculture systems are more efficient in energy and water usage than in past decades, especially with new systems like RAS and offshore technologies being developed.
There is also growing interest in integrated multi-trophic aquaculture — essentially integrating fish farming with seaweed and shellfish harvesting to establish a self-sustaining, waste-reducing loop.
Our pristine coastline and tough biosecurity means Aussie seafood has big export potential and with better infrastructure and investment, it could become a key growth sector.
6. Agrivoltaics & On-Site Renewable Energy Farming
Agrivoltaics (defined by the co-location of solar panels and agriculture) is gaining traction as farmers look for ways to hedge against energy costs while making better use of their land.
Panels can be raised or spread out to promote the growth of crops or livestock below them, and the shade they provide can also increase productivity for certain types of plants in warmer climates.
In addition to solar, wind and micro-hydro systems are being explored for on-farm energy generation.
This is not just about going off-grid. It’s about adding a new source of income and slashing emissions without sacrificing arable land.
Renewables can also power cold storage, irrigation and processing in remote areas and enable farmers to become more self-sufficient and climate-resilient.
With tech costs falling and energy costs rising, this hybrid farming model is one to definitely watch.
Australian Agriculture: Leading the Way in Sustainability
The future of Aussie farming isn’t just about producing more, but rather producing smarter.
These emerging markets provide opportunities to think more innovatively, lessen our environmental footprint and to meet global demand for cleaner, greener, more sustainable products.
And with the right industry support, regulation and collaboration we can create a food and fibre system that keeps Australia at the forefront of future-ready global agriculture.
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