On September 2, 2025, Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) unveiled its Australian Agricultural Insights study during the sold-out Farming Forever National Summit held in Canberra. The study reveals that climate change remains the primary concern for farmers, with 57% identifying it as their greatest challenge, a slight increase from 55% in 2023. Bureaucratic hurdles and rising operational costs follow as the second and third most pressing issues, with 16% and 15% of respondents, respectively.
The Farming Forever Summit gathered around 300 farmers, industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss these pressing issues. As FCA continues to grow, now representing over 8,400 farmer members, their insights are more critical than ever.
Key Findings of the Study
A total of 618 farmers participated in the survey, revealing significant trends regarding the impact of climate change on agriculture. Among the findings, 93% of farmers reported experiencing at least one extreme weather event in the last three years. Notably, those facing unusual rainfall increased to 74%, up from 64% in 2023, while farmers experiencing drought rose to 52%, compared to 39% previously. Additionally, the number of farmers reporting unpredictable growing seasons climbed from 53% to 58%.
In response to these challenges, 70% of farmers have already made investments in emissions reduction strategies, which include practices such as improving soil health and adopting rotational grazing techniques. Furthermore, 67% of farmers expressed intentions to expand climate-smart practices, though they face obstacles such as outdated infrastructure and unclear government policies.
Urgent Calls for Action
The survey results highlight a strong desire for infrastructure improvements. Nearly 80% of farmers support urgent updates to energy infrastructure and regulations, aiming to ensure they benefit from the shift towards clean energy. Additionally, 65% of those surveyed are interested in producing and storing clean energy on their farms.
Natalie Collard, CEO of FCA, emphasized the importance of listening to farmers directly rather than relying on social media commentary. “We see a lot of media telling us what farmers are thinking – well here’s some actual data,” said Collard. “Farmers surveyed say their most pressing concern is climate change, matching results from professional polling by respected firms.”
Collard also pointed out that the increasing acknowledgment of climate change as a significant concern aligns with the reported rise in extreme weather events affecting farmers’ production capabilities. “Farmers are asking for practical support to reduce their own emissions,” she stated. “Around 80% want consistent, trusted frameworks for reporting emissions, and nearly 80% back local infrastructure upgrades to engage with clean energy effectively.”
Some farmers shared their personal experiences through de-identified quotes from the survey, reflecting rising concerns about the future of their livelihoods. One farmer noted, “Farming is becoming harder, with each event further reducing production capacity.” Another expressed anxiety over insurance coverage in the face of natural disasters, stating, “We worry that our insurance won’t cover the full costs of our infrastructure in case the next fire reaches us.”
The survey included a diverse representation of farming sectors, with 61% focused on beef, 37% on sheep meat, and 24% involved in wool production. Other sectors included grains, horticulture, dairy, cotton, sugar, and wine. The geographical distribution of respondents showed that 40% were from New South Wales, 36% from Western Australia, 30% from Victoria, 10% from Queensland, 7% from Tasmania, and 5% from South Australia.
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, the findings from the Australian Agricultural Insights study underscore the urgent need for collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and industry leaders to address these challenges effectively.
