2025 Conference
Many years of positive feedback has told us that if you have an interest in agricultural research, development and extension, want to be part of the discussion on a significant related issue, and network with experts and key players, then the Crawford Fund’s annual conference is likely to be in your diary.
As Australia’s key food security event, the Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference is for many a highlight of the year. In 2025 it will be held on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th August in the Great Hall, Parliament House, Canberra.
This year’s Conference’s theme, Progress and Prospects for Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems: Actionable Recommendations for Policymakers and Practitioners, captures the urgency and complexity of transforming agrifood systems in response to climate change. Addressing the trade-offs between food production and net-zero targets, pursuing sustainable intensification, and promoting inclusivity are essential for building resilient and equitable agrifood systems. These themes reflect the multifaceted approach needed to secure food security in a world increasingly vulnerable to environmental challenges.
By adopting innovative practices, supporting policies, and fostering inclusivity, agrifood systems can evolve to meet the demands of a growing population without compromising the planet’s health. It is our intention that the insights shared at the conference will provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and industry stakeholders, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of building climate-resilient agrifood systems. In doing so, we can create a future where food security and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, benefiting current and future generations alike. A backgrounder on the conference theme can be found here.
We expect to once again attract delegates from development, research, academia, the private sector, primary production, NGO and advocacy groups, and from decision and policy-making. This will be complemented by a virtual audience, including many from overseas.
Once again we have used our wonderful network, built over more than three decades of operation and conferences, to bring together eminent international and Australian speakers, and many project partners from around the globe. Their experience, successes, lessons and recommendations for policymakers and researchers will add to the discussion on strategies that can secure food security while promoting environmental sustainability.
Our conference audience will again include views from science, agriculture, politics, business and civil society to help focus our attention on the way forward.
We look forward to seeing you at our 2025 conference to bring your insights to improve understanding, appreciation and impact for all our work and help us reach our vision of a food secure world where sustainable agriculture and resilient agri-food systems reduce hunger, malnutrition and poverty.