Agriculture: What Does the Future Hold?

How do we feed a growing population while protecting our environment and using fewer natural resources? That’s the question driving the future of agriculture in Australia—and around the world. With climate variability, urbanisation, and food security concerns on the rise, the agriculture industry is rapidly evolving to meet global demand through innovation, sustainability, and data-driven practices.

To unpack where the sector is headed, we spoke with two senior agricultural experts from Charles Sturt University: Professor David Kemp and Professor Jim Pratley. Their insights reveal a field that’s adapting fast—and opening up exciting new career pathways in the process.

Why Efficiency Matters More Than Ever

Australia’s farmers are already among the most efficient in the world, but future demands will raise the bar even higher. According to Professor Kemp, productivity will need to double by 2050 to meet both domestic and global food needs. The challenge? We’re not gaining any more arable land—so we must do more with what we have.

“The simple stuff—clearing new land and growing more crops—was done in the past. Now we have to maximise what we’ve got without damaging the environment,” says Kemp. “That means taking a far more strategic and scientific approach.”

Global food demand is expected to rise by up to 70% by 2050, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The world’s population is projected to reach nearly 10 billion. And with finite resources, the pressure is on.

Agriculture Must Balance Productivity with Sustainability

For Professor Pratley, agricultural production needs to align with broader social and environmental goals.

“It’s not just about food—it’s about trust, sustainability, and transparency,” he explains. “Consumers and markets now demand ethically and sustainably produced food. This concept of ‘social licence’—public approval of industry practices—is now central to agricultural success.”

Professor Kemp agrees, noting that misinformation sometimes skews public understanding. “Pollution from agriculture is significantly lower than it used to be,” he says. “In fact, many large operators have the resources to improve land stewardship and reduce environmental impact.”

Educating the public and upskilling future workers are key to aligning perception with reality and building an agriculture industry that balances economic, environmental, and community interests.

Technology Is Transforming How We Farm

Agtech is driving the next wave of change in Australian agriculture. From smart sensors and drones to autonomous machinery and data platforms, technology is reshaping how we grow, harvest, monitor and manage every aspect of farm operations.

Key innovations include:

• Electronic ear tags for livestock that track movement, health, and growth
• Autonomous robots and tractors for crop monitoring and selective harvesting
• Digital scales to detect early signs of livestock illness
• AI and machine learning tools for weather prediction and yield optimisation

“We now have smart farms that generate huge amounts of data,” says Pratley. “The challenge is knowing what to do with that data—and using it to make decisions in real time. That’s where skilled professionals are needed.”

Protected Cropping and Urban Farming on the Rise

As traditional farmland becomes more constrained, new models like protected cropping are becoming more viable. These systems—such as greenhouses and vertical farms—enable year-round production using less water, space, and pesticides.

“One company in South Australia is already producing the majority of Australia’s tomatoes using solar power, desalinated water, and aquaponics,” says Pratley. “It’s efficient, sustainable, and scalable. These kinds of systems could be replicated in areas that were previously unsuitable for agriculture.”

This innovation not only boosts local food security but also opens up opportunities in areas like renewable energy integration, biosecurity, and controlled-environment agriculture.

Expanding Career Opportunities in Agriculture

With technology reshaping the industry, future agricultural careers will look very different from the traditional “on-the-tractor” jobs of the past. There’s now growing demand for expertise in:

• Agtech and robotics
• Data science and remote sensing
• Environmental and sustainability management
• Agribusiness, marketing and supply chain logistics
• Precision farming and crop modelling

“There’s now roughly four jobs available for every agriculture graduate,” says Pratley. “And it’s not just for people with farming backgrounds. The industry needs people with skills in IT, engineering, business, and environmental science.”

Explore a range of agriculture and agribusiness courses to build the skills needed to succeed in this innovative, fast-moving sector.

What Qualifications Will Future Professionals Need?

To build a future-proof career in agriculture, you may need to go beyond traditional training. Increasingly, employers and industry bodies are seeking candidates with:

• Undergraduate qualifications in agricultural science or agribusiness
• Postgraduate specialisations in environmental science, agtech or data systems
• Certifications in workplace health and safety, sustainability or project management

“If you want a career that develops and progresses, higher-level qualifications and specialisations will give you the edge,” says Kemp. “Especially if you’re looking at roles in policy, consultancy, or R&D.”

Australia’s Advantage: Feeding the Region

With growing middle-class populations in Asia, Australian agricultural exports are well-positioned to meet the demand for premium, safe, and sustainably produced food. It’s a chance for Australia to play a major role in global food security.

“The image of agriculture has changed dramatically,” says Pratley. “From an industry in decline to one full of opportunity. There’s never been a better time to enter the sector.”

Start Your Future in Agriculture

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, technology, or food security, the future of agriculture offers wide-ranging career opportunities.

Browse our accredited agriculture courses and take the first step toward a career in one of Australia’s most vital and future-focused industries.