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Jun 16,2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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:
“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.
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:
“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.”
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.”
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.
Jenny found her way with words while interning during uni, since, she's produced articles on it all – from hair and beauty to homewares, travel, career advice and study tips. On a weekend you're most likely to find her lining up for a table at the latest cafe or restaurant.