Australia’s farm gate production value is forecast to exceed $100 billion this financial year, reaching this milestone four years ahead of the National Farmers Federation’s 2030 target.
The latest forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) show agricultural production will reach a record $101.4 billion in 2025-26, and $107.4 billion when combined with fisheries and forestry. Exports from agriculture, fisheries and forestry are expected to hit almost $85 billion, reflecting growing global demand for Australian food and fibre.
“This forecast gives Australians 100 billion reasons to thank our farmers, whose hard work, resilience and skill is helping power our national economy,” said minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Julie Collins.
“Being on track to exceed industry’s $100 billion target by four years is a tremendous result for our farmers and regional communities, and it’s what you can achieve when Government works together with industry to progress their priorities.”
Since 2022, the value of agricultural production has risen by 15 per cent, with exports now reaching around 190 markets, the most diversified trade in the sector’s history. The NFF’s 2030 Roadmap envisioned agriculture as a $100 billion industry, and this year’s forecast shows that target will be achieved ahead of schedule.
“Australian farmers operate under difficult and ever-changing conditions yet continue to deliver more for our nation’s economy than ever before,” said assistant minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, senator Anthony Chisholm.
“This year’s outlook is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the immense resilience and skill of Australia’s agricultural workforce.”
The Australian government will continue to work with the NFF and industry to support farmers, expand trade opportunities, create regional jobs, and strengthen local economies.
“This is a landmark moment for Australian agriculture. In 2018, $100 billion was seen as ambitious. Today we’re forecast to reach it ahead of schedule,” said NFF president Hamish McIntyre.
“This milestone was earned through droughts, fires, floods, a pandemic and global trade disruption. It proves Australian agriculture can compete with the best in the world.”