about the 2026 conference
Theme: Agronomy for a Diverse Future
Diversity is at the heart of agronomy, shaping resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems. The 2026 Conference will explore how embracing diversity-across crops, farming systems, landscapes, knowledge, and technology-can drive innovation and adaptability in modern agriculture.
Crop Diversity
A diverse range of crops strengthens food security and resilience. This subtheme focuses on:
- Species diversity: Expanding beyond a single dominant crop by integrating cereals, legumes, oilseeds, cotton, horticulture, chia, and hemp.
- Varietal diversity: Selecting different cultivars to enhance adaptability and mitigate risks.
- Temporal diversity: Implementing seasonal crop rotations to improve soil health and suppress pests and diseases.
Farming Systems Diversity
Agriculture thrives on integrated approaches, including:
- Mixed farming: Combining cropping and livestock to create more sustainable systems.
- Agroforestry: Incorporating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes.
- Intercropping: Cultivating multiple crops in shared spaces for enhanced productivity.
- Conservation agriculture: Emphasizing soil health through reduced tillage, cover cropping, and residue retention.
Landscaping and Regional Diversity
Agronomy must adapt to diverse environments. This subtheme highlights:
- Strategies for different climatic zones, soil types, and landscapes-especially in regions like Northern Australia.
- The role of Indigenous land management and traditional ecological knowledge in shaping modern agronomy.
Knowledge and Expertise Diversity
Agricultural progress relies on collaboration. This subtheme explores:
- The integration of multidisciplinary sciences-plant physiology, soil science, data science, entomology, and beyond.
- Contributions from farmers, researchers, agribusiness, and policymakers to create holistic solutions.
- The importance of diversity in the agronomy workforce, ensuring inclusivity across age, gender, and backgrounds.
Technological and Innovation Diversity
A range of tools and strategies shape the future of agronomy, including:
- Advanced technologies: Digital agriculture, remote sensing, AI, genomics, and mechanization tailored to different scales.
- Varied management approaches: Precision agriculture vs. low-input systems-each serving distinct farming needs.
The 2026 Conference invites researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to explore these themes and drive agronomy towards a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable future.
Field Trips
Stay in the loop and submit your interest!
Masterclass
Stay in the loop and submit your interest!
Acknowledgement of Country
The Australian Agronomy Society acknowledges the Larrakia people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the 2026 Australian Agronomy Conference will be held in Darwin. We recognise their enduring connection to land, sea, and community, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us for this event and throughout Australia.