Thriving farming systems in an uncertain world
Examining scenarios from the Ag2050 Initiative
A Food System Horizons Webinar
THURSDAY, 20 November 2025
11:00AM to 12:00NN AEST; 12:00 to 1:00PM ADST
ONLINE MS Teams
Solutions to manage existing risks and emerging changes to Australia’s agriculture are relevant to livelihoods at home and abroad. Despite operating in an often highly variable and resource-constrained environment, a highly successful export-focused agricultural sector has been established in Australia through progressive adaptation and gains in efficiency and productivity. However, climatic change, shifting demographics, technological disruptions, trade disputes and rising geopolitical tensions add further uncertainty. These factors put the adaptive capacity of Australia’s agricultural sector to the test, underlining the need to be prepared for multiple plausible futures. Building on insights from the Ag2050 initiative, Frank Sperling (CSIRO) will introduce a set of co-created scenario narratives and offer perspectives on their sector-specific implications. Katie McRobert (AFI) will then discuss the enabling policy environment that leads to a thriving, resilient and sustainable agriculture by mid-century.
Who will you hear from?
Frank Sperling, Speaker
Frank Sperling is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food. He is part of the Ag2050 leadership team and co-authored the CSIRO-led report Reshaping Australian Food Systems. With over 20 years of prior experience in international development, his expertise spans food systems, agriculture, sustainable land management, climate adaptation, carbon finance, and biodiversity. He has contributed to major publications and served as an IPCC lead author. Frank now applies his global experience to sustainability challenges in Australia and the Pacific.
Katie McRobert, Speaker
Katie McRobert is Executive Director of the Australian Farm Institute, where she leads evidence-based policy research on agrifood system sustainability. Katie holds an MBA in Sustainable Business from Griffith University and serves on several advisory groups, including for CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Research Units. Her work reflects a deep commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture through informed policy and collaboration.
Is there another chance to join?
The presentation part of this webinar will be recorded and be made available on this page for those who are not able to attend on the day. Discussions will not be recorded.
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