Key reasons for Australia to participate in agricultural research for development
January 28, 2026
By Shaun Coffey FTSE FAIA CRSNZ FAICD
Welcome to 2026, we hope that you feel energised and excited about the year ahead. This year will be an important year for Australia to focus on its role in international agricultural research. Discussions have commenced on the development of a national Food Security Strategy and in August, Australia will have an important role in leading negotiations at COP31 in Turkiye. Both of these processes are likely to highlight the contribution of international agricultural research and development to global food security climate change adaptation. But there are also strategic benefits for Australia from investment in international agricultural research for development, including:
1. A more resilient Australian agricultural sector
Engagement in international agricultural research strengthens Australia’s ability to anticipate and respond to climate variability, resource constraints, and emerging production risks. Exposure to diverse farming systems, climatic conditions, and institutional settings generates insights that inform domestic practice, policy design, and preparedness. This outward engagement increases adaptive capacity within Australian agriculture and improves its ability to absorb and recover from future shocks.
2. Innovation and scientific advances that return home
International research partnerships place Australian scientists in environments that test methods, assumptions, and technologies beyond domestic conditions. Knowledge generated through these collaborations feeds back into Australian research systems, improving productivity, climate resilience, and scientific capability. This circulation of ideas sustains relevance, sharpens research quality, and keeps Australian science connected to global frontiers.
3. Stronger trading partners and regional markets
Investment in agricultural research and system capability across the Indo-Pacific supports food availability, institutional strength, and economic growth. More resilient regional agricultural systems increase demand for Australian goods, services, expertise, and education. They also support more reliable supply chains and longer-term market development that benefits Australian producers and exporters.
4. Lower biosecurity risks
Strengthening agricultural systems in neighbouring countries reduces the likelihood that pests, diseases, and invasive species will reach Australian production systems. Improved surveillance, early detection, and farm-level practices offshore function as an effective first line of defence. Preventing biosecurity threats before incursion imposes lower economic and environmental costs than domestic containment and recovery.
5. Greater geopolitical stability
Food insecurity contributes to social unrest, population displacement, and political instability. Research partnerships that improve food and nutrition security support stability and trust across the region. This work strengthens diplomatic relationships, reinforces cooperative norms, and positions Australia as a reliable and constructive partner.
Seven Australian international agricultural research messages
1. Australia prospers when our region prospers
International agricultural research delivers direct benefits to Australia through stronger regional markets, healthier trading partners, reduced biosecurity risks, improved stability, and scientific advances that strengthen domestic capability. Contributing Australian expertise supports a safer region and a more resilient national agricultural system.
2. Knowledge is Australia’s most valuable export
Australia’s agricultural science and research systems are widely recognised for quality and credibility. Sharing this capability through sustained partnerships builds institutional strength, multiplies impact, and reinforces Australia’s influence as a trusted science nation.
3. Australia has a responsibility to contribute and a stake in doing so
Australia engages in international agricultural research as a long-standing development partner with shared interests at stake. Stronger agricultural systems in the region protect Australia’s economic, environmental, and strategic interests by reducing systemic risk and increasing collective resilience.
4. Collaboration is the foundation of progress
Food security challenges extend across borders, disciplines, and institutions. Australia achieves greater impact by working with partners across the Indo-Pacific and Africa, aligning research, policy, and capacity development around shared objectives and mutual benefit.
5. Science must serve people, not only productivity
International agricultural research delivers lasting value when it improves livelihoods and strengthens local systems. Australia supports research that is ethically grounded, participatory in design, culturally aware, and locally owned, ensuring that scientific effort translates into durable development outcomes.
6. The future depends on the leaders we grow today
Food security outcomes depend on people who can make sound decisions, collaborate across boundaries, and lead institutions effectively. Australia invests in research leadership and institutional capability because leadership quality determines whether scientific investment produces long-term impact.
7. Food security is world security
Australia’s prosperity and regional relationships are shaped by global food and nutrition outcomes. Supporting food security beyond Australia’s borders contributes to stability, resilience, and shared development, reinforcing Australia’s own security and economic interests.
