Rural & Agriculture
9 March, 2026
Agricultural production on track to exceed 2030 industry target
AUSTRALIA’S farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year – four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target, and a record result. The latest forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resources Economics and Sciences (ABARES) show Australia’s agricultural production value will hit a record $101.4 billion in 2025-26, and $107.4 billion when combined with fisheries and forestry.
ABARES forecasts show agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports will reach a record high of almost $85 billion in 2025-26, with more demand than ever for Australia’s world-class food and fibre.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the significant milestone is a testament to the hard work, resilience and skill of Australia’s farmers.
“The Albanese Labor Government has worked tirelessly to support this work, securing the removal of trade barriers, including $20 billion worth of trade with China, and delivering more market access opportunities for Australia’s farmers and producers,” she said.
In 2018, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) released its 2030 Roadmap, detailing its vision for agriculture to become Australia’s next $100 billion industry – with Agriculture worth around $88 billion when the Albanese Government came to office in 2022.
Since then, the value of Australia’s agricultural production has increased by 15 per cent, with agricultural exports now able to reach around 190 markets – the most diversified trade has ever been.
“The latest ABARES data, and the forecast of agriculture exceeding the NFF’s 2030 target by four years, reaffirms the Albanese Labor Government’s work to expand trade opportunities for our farmers, support more regional jobs, and to strengthen local economies.
“It is the result of strong advocacy from the NFF to secure the best long-term outcomes for Australia's agriculture industry, our farmers and producers,” she said.
President of the National Farmers Federation, Hamish McIntyre, said it was a landmark moment for Australian agriculture.
“In 2018, $100 billion was seen as ambitious. Today we’re forecast to reach it ahead of schedule.
“This shows agriculture is an industry worth backing, because when we set a goal, we deliver.
“This milestone wasn’t handed to us, but earned through droughts, fires and floods, through a pandemic and global trade disruption.
“It’s important to remember, our target has never been just about chasing a headline number. It is underpinned by a detailed roadmap that places farmer wellbeing, sustainability and natural capital alongside productivity and profitability.
“We could not have achieved this without strong collaboration from our members, governments and the supply chain partners who all backed our vision. But above all, this belongs to Australian farmers,” he said.