This September, hundreds of Australian producers will step out from behind the farm gate and into the nation’s capital—not to protest, but to lead. Farmers are already adopting clean tech, slashing inputs, and stacking new income streams—all from the same piece of land.
Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action (FCA), the Farming Forever National Summit will bring together over 300 attendees, including farmers, innovators, and policy influencers in Canberra to partner, share insights, and shape the future of farming using a nature-positive lens.
“Farmers are driving the move toward nature-friendly farming—71% are self-funding climate action such as clean energy to future-proof their farms,” said Natalie Collard, FCA CEO “Australian farmers have always been clean and green and now we’re extending that to be as friendly to nature as possible. This summit puts that leadership on the national stage and gives producers the tools to adapt—on their terms.”
Held at Hotel Realm, Canberra, on 1–2 September, the Summit marks ten years of FCA’s farmer-led movement. Designed to deliver action—not just conversation—it will equip producers with practical tools, build relationships across the supply chain, and send a strong message to decision-makers in an election year.
Attendees will hear directly from farmers who are:
• Turning biodiversity into passive income
• Electrifying machinery to cut diesel costs
• Embracing agtech to boost profits
• Hosting wind and solar while grazing livestock
“Hosting modern clean energy helps our farmers continue their traditions,” Collard said. “They’re still grazing sheep under solar panels and raising cattle around turbines—but now with an income stream that keeps families on the land.”
The potential returns are significant. Recent analysis shows farmers could earn up to $40,000 per year for every wind turbine hosted on their property—while still using 98% of their land for food production.
A Call for Urgency from the Land – Farmers on the Frontline
Peter Holding, a third-generation sheep and cropping farmer from NSW, is clear about the stakes:
“We’re in a battle for survival—urgency is critical. If we want to keep producing food at the levels needed, we have to adapt. This summit is where we come together and get serious.”
“Farming today is science, strategy and tech. The problems are complex—but we’ve got the tools. Now we need practical solutions that work.”
“I’ve got faith in younger farmers. They’re thinking differently—but struggling to break into leadership. We need to back them.”
Farmer Conversations Driving Real-World Change
“Australia has some of the toughest farming conditions in the world—but that’s made us leaders in climate-smart agriculture” said SA pastoralist Ellen Litchfield who is looking forward to networking with farmers from across the country.
“Great stuff happens when farmers come together. Whether it’s after a panel session or over drinks—it’s those everyday conversations that spark powerful change.”
Who’s Speaking: Climate, Clean Energy, and Innovation Leaders in Ag
Panels and workshops will showcase leading voices in climate science, biodiversity, innovation and real-world production, offering practical strategies for farming smarter in a changing landscape. Headline speakers include:
• Brent Finlay – Cattle farmer, former NFF President, and MD of Finlay Agricultural Industries
• Mike Casey – Cherry grower and CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa, who has electrified every machine on his New Zealand orchard
• David DJ Jochinke – President, National Farmers’ Federation
• Tim Jarvis AM – Environmental scientist, author, and explorer
• Professor David Lindenmayer AO – One of Australia’s foremost biodiversity and nature-friendly farming experts
• Professor Mark Howden – IPCC Vice Chair and Director, ANU Climate, Energy and Disaster Institute
Full speaker list: www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/farmingforevernationalsummit25/
Sponsored Farmer Spotlight – Victoria
Judy Croagh, CEO of Western Plains Pork and a pig producer from South West Victoria, is receiving a sponsorship to attend the Summit, helping ensure Victorian farmers are part of the national conversation.
“I became an FCA member because it’s important to continually look at ways we can reduce our emissions and keep improving, and our ultimate goal is to get closer to carbon neutral. I want to attend the Summit because we’re keeping climate action in the forefront of everything we do on our farm.”
While climate change has affected Judy’s business in different ways year to year, she notes:
“We still farm the same way. This year has been dry, but the four previous years were extremely wet, which affects our outdoor pigs.”
Sponsored Farmer Spotlight – South Australia
Jarred Tilley, (available for interview) a mixed farming producer from South Australia, is receiving a sponsorship to attend the Summit, ensuring regional voices are part of the national conversation.
“I think I have a lot to add to the discussions in and around the Summit. I enjoyed the last time I was in Canberra with FCA, particularly the time spent with the other participants, and hope to cross paths with them at the Summit,” Jarred said.
Jarred has already made practical changes on his farm in response to climate challenges:
“We are early adopters of No-till farming and rotational grazing, with a focus on shelterbelt planting and the protection of existing natural capital.”
Sponsored Farmers: This EOI is now closed, any farmers wanting to go on the wait list for sponsored attendance at the Farming Forever National Summit can email: events@farmersforclimateaction.org.au
Farmer Spotlight – Queensland
Brent Finlay, (available for interview) a Queensland sheep and wind farmer and former President of both the National Farmers’ Federation and AgForce, will attend the Farming Forever National Summit to engage with key issues shaping the future of agriculture.
“I was at the NFF when Farmers for Climate Action first came into the membership of NFF. It was a very large milestone for a fledgling organisation in becoming a credible farm advocate for rural and regional Australia.”
“Renewable energy brings one of the most significant changes in rural and regional Australia and in agricultural production systems nationally. I note the position of advocacy taken by FCA.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to network and be aware of current advocacy work. Farmers draw on insights from FCA around future policy development.”
Melanie Shannon (Beef, QLD)
“I want to ensure I have an adequate understanding of what’s currently happening with renewables in agriculture and to learn from others’ experiences with renewable energy companies, so I’m able to share the correct and up-to-date information with our producer group.”
Sponsored Farmers Spotlight – NSWAndrew Locke (Sheep & Horticulture, NSW)
“I’m attending to show solidarity and support for renewable projects that can benefit regional communities and farmers. The drought from 2018 to 2020 certainly heightened our focus on productivity and drought strategy, including reliable water supply. We’ve also embraced renewable/wind developments to diversify income.”
Simon Barton (Beef & Wool, NSW – Hosting Renewables)
“I joined FCA because we need to look after our planet and be regenerative farmers. Attending the summit will be a great opportunity to network with like-minded farmers and explore opportunities available in climate action and agriculture.”
Tickets & More Info
Summit Details and tickets: www.farmersforclimateaction.org.au/farmingforevernationalsummit25
