AgriFutures Australia | Our vision is to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries.

Latest news and events

2025 Rural Women's Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in the Great Hall at Parliament House in Canberra, ACT.

GREAT HALL, PARLIAMENT HOUSE, CANBERRA 08.09.26

2026 Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement

The National Winner and Runner Up of the 2026 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

Emerging Industries

From fisheries to future industries: Meet AgriFutures’ new Senior Manager, Emerging Industries

AgriFutures Australia has welcomed Dr Jamin Forbes as its new Senior Manager, Emerging Industries, bringing deep experience across research, government, universities and research and development corporations to the organisation’s future‑focused portfolio.

3 min read

News and event image for Becky Dickinson wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Workforce and Leadership

Becky Dickinson wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Veterinarian and founder Becky Dickinson has been recognised for her leadership in addressing workforce retention and capability in rural veterinary practice.

4 min read

See all news and events

Rice

Grower insights guiding the next Rice RD&E Plan

Rice levy payers and industry stakeholders continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Australian rice research, development and extension (RD&E) through the Levy Payer Feedback and Engagement Survey 2026.

2 min read

News and event image for Improving the odds: Pinpointing the key factors in Thoroughbred pregnancy loss

Thoroughbred Horses

Improving the odds: Pinpointing the key factors in Thoroughbred pregnancy loss

The covering season has wrapped up for the year, but how do we ensure we maximise the number of mares carry their pregnancies to full term? The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program has been working hard to demystify the full picture around equine abortions. The Program has been undertaking a multi-stage project, The pathology and epidemiology of equine pregnancy loss, to enhance the industry’s knowledge of what causes abortion, and as they enter the next phase, they expand the project’s reach to encompass the breeding industry in Queensland.

8 min read

News and event image for Australia’s agricultural innovation system must lift to deliver impact at scale

Global Innovation Networks

Australia’s agricultural innovation system must lift to deliver impact at scale

AgriFutures Australia’s Chair and Managing Director call for a step‑change in agricultural innovation to deliver impact at scale.

1 min read

News and event image for AgriFutures opens new grants to build skills and strengthen the future workforce

Workforce and Leadership

AgriFutures opens new grants to build skills and strengthen the future workforce

AgriFutures Australia has opened applications for its new People and Capability Program, investing up to $200,000 to help our Levied and Emerging industries address critical workforce shortages and build the skills needed for long-term productivity.

3 min read

Our vision is to grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries. Since our inception in 1990, AgriFutures Australia, formerly RIRDC, has grown and developed alongside our 13 levied industries and we’re honoured to continue this important role in supporting the growth and overall success of Australian agriculture.

Learn more about AgriFutures Australia

Current projects

honey bee pollination

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

La Trobe University

1 February, 2026 - 3 April, 2030

See all projects

Funding opportunities

Rural vet Becky Dickinson wins 2026 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Our Chair and Managing Director open evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2026: “This is not a time for incremental change"

New data reveals $8 billion contribution of Australia’s chicken meat industry

Celebrating 25 Years of AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award E-Book

See our current funding opportunities

Latest resources

NATIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES / 10.03.26

PUBLICATION / 62 Pages

RICE / 06.03.26

PUBLICATION / 31 Pages

TEA TREE OIL / 02.03.26

PUBLICATION / 27 Pages

2026 Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement

From fisheries to future industries: Meet AgriFutures’ new Senior Manager, Emerging Industries

Becky Dickinson wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Grower insights guiding the next Rice RD&E Plan

Improving the odds: Pinpointing the key factors in Thoroughbred pregnancy loss

Australia’s agricultural innovation system must lift to deliver impact at scale

AgriFutures opens new grants to build skills and strengthen the future workforce

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

Building an Evidence Base for Ongoing Access to Farm Protectants

Unlocking Private Investment in Australian Agriculture and Agricultural Innovation

Identification of Emerging Industries for RD&E Investment

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

Understanding a Recessive Embryo-Lethal Genotype in Australian Thoroughbred Horses

Chicken Meat

Funding opportunities

Research, innovation and leadership in agriculture.

Rural vet Becky Dickinson wins 2026 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Our Chair and Managing Director open evokeᴬᴳ⋅ 2026: “This is not a time for incremental change"

New data reveals $8 billion contribution of Australia’s chicken meat industry

Celebrating 25 Years of AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award E-Book

See our current funding opportunities

Latest resources

NATIONAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES / 10.03.26

PUBLICATION / 62 Pages

RICE / 06.03.26

PUBLICATION / 31 Pages

TEA TREE OIL / 02.03.26

PUBLICATION / 27 Pages

Latest news and events

2026 Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement

From fisheries to future industries: Meet AgriFutures’ new Senior Manager, Emerging Industries

Becky Dickinson wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Grower insights guiding the next Rice RD&E Plan

Improving the odds: Pinpointing the key factors in Thoroughbred pregnancy loss

Australia’s agricultural innovation system must lift to deliver impact at scale

AgriFutures opens new grants to build skills and strengthen the future workforce

Current projects

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

Building an Evidence Base for Ongoing Access to Farm Protectants

Unlocking Private Investment in Australian Agriculture and Agricultural Innovation

Identification of Emerging Industries for RD&E Investment

Antibody-Driven Defence: An Innovative Method for Safeguarding Honey Bees Against Varroa-Induced Viral Diseases

Understanding a Recessive Embryo-Lethal Genotype in Australian Thoroughbred Horses

Our Industries

Chicken Meat

Export Fodder

Ginger

Honey Bee & Pollination

Pasture Seeds

Rice

Tea Tree Oil

Thoroughbred Horses

Industrial Hemp

Insects

Seaweed and Algae

Sesame