Climate change, the looming global food shortage and water are high on the agenda of the National Farmers' Federation's (NFF) first National Congress in Brisbane on Monday and Tuesday.
For the first time, the NFF - formed in 1979 - is bringing together farmers, agribusiness, agricultural teachers and students, federal government ministers, senior departmental officials and leading international and national experts to discuss and debate major issues.
NFF president David Crombie said the theme of the congress - "Modern farmers: growing opportunities today... meeting the challenges of tomorrow" - is a timely examination of world food needs and Australia's role.
Speakers on climate change will include greenhouse sceptic Professor Ian Plimer, CSIRO expert on climate adaptation Dr Andrew Ash and the secretary of the federal government's Department of Climate Change, Dr Martin Parkinson
The congress will be opened by federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke and a keynote speaker will be a British expert on global food industry issues, Professor David Hughes.
The congress will also discuss food supply chains, farm technology and genetically modified crops.
AAP
