It’s no secret that the rapid urbanisation of the 20th century has driven a massive change in our lifestyle and diet. This, together with the cultural shift from immigration, have left most Australasians with no family connection to the farm, and some children with the impression that food comes from a packet – not a paddock or pasture.

What will the farm of the future look like? Just as most jobs of the future are difficult to imagine, so too is the farmer of the future. And just as innovation and technology are disrupting traditional industries, so too is farming subject to constant change. Today the tools of farming have moved from tractors and ploughs, to iPads and drones and will shift to precision agriculture, alternative foods and on-farm robotics.

This paper also addresses what needs to be done to attract talented people to the sector. A wide range of talent and skills is crucial for realising the long term potential of agriculture for both economies.

Considered to be the food bowl of the Asian region, Australia and New Zealand farmers collectively will be providing food to feed around 100 million people or just over 1 per cent of the global population by 2025.

According to Ian Proudfoot, Global Head of Agribusiness KPMG, “The primary sectors in Australia and New Zealand need a big vision for their future, particularly as their role in global food systems is likely to evolve rapidly”

Key to achieving this vision is the support of national, state and local governments to help transform the farming sector. Governments have a role to play in building capacity to handle volatility, and in developing policies that support collaborative partnerships with offshore investors. Political will to support farmers is often lacking as electoral power increasingly lies with the urban population.