Tackling the Biggest Challenges in the Australian Grains Industry
- F2F
- Mar 17, 2025
- 3 min read
The Australian grains industry is at a turning point. Growers, researchers, and innovators face pressing challenges that demand fresh thinking, new technology, and bold solutions.
From weed resistance and supply chain inefficiencies to labour shortages and climate adaptation, these issues impact productivity, sustainability, and the industry's future. But with big challenges come big opportunities.
At Farmers2Founders, we’re on a mission to help drive innovation in the grains sector by connecting problem-solvers with the right support and networks. Whether you're a grower, agronomist, entrepreneur, or researcher, your ideas could help shape the future of Australian grains.
Six Key Challenge Areas
We’ve identified six major challenges based on industry insights and conversations with growers, experts, and stakeholders. Here’s where we need your ideas:
🌱 1. Sustainability & Stewardship
The industry must balance sustainability and productivity while navigating tightening chemical regulations and long-term soil health concerns.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 Weed resistance affects over 50% of Australian cropping land, costing the industry $3.3 billion annually.
🔹 The APVMA has reviewed over 11,000 pesticide approvals, increasing restrictions on key chemistries like glyphosate and paraquat.
💡 Challenge:
How can we help Australian grain growers improve sustainability while reducing reliance on restricted or no longer effective chemicals?
What long-term strategies can combat weed resistance and maintain soil health?
🚛 2. Supply Chain Inefficiencies
Grain transport, storage, and logistics remain costly and inefficient, reducing profitability and global competitiveness.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 Australia’s grain storage losses amount to 2-5% per year, costing producers millions.
💡 Challenge:
How can we enhance grain storage, transport, and export logistics to reduce costs and losses?
📡 3. Precision Agriculture Adoption
Despite its potential to increase efficiency and reduce input costs, adoption of precision ag tools remains low due to cost, complexity, and trust barriers.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 Only 23% of Australian grain farmers use precision spraying technology, despite its proven benefits.
💡 Challenge:
How can we accelerate adoption of precision ag tools by making them more accessible, practical, and cost-effective?
🦠 4. Biosecurity – Pests & Disease
Pests and diseases continue to threaten Australian grain production, with increasing biosecurity regulations adding pressure on growers.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 Pests and diseases cause 20-30% of global crop losses annually.
💡 Challenge:
How can we create cost-effective, scalable biosecurity solutions that protect crops while minimising financial strain on growers?
👩🌾 5. Labour & Farm Performance
The agricultural workforce is shrinking, with a growing gap in skilled labour that technology alone can't fully replace.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 The Australian farm workforce has declined by 35% in the past decade, with a projected 50,000-worker shortfall by 2030.
💡 Challenge:
How can we build a resilient and skilled agricultural workforce to sustain grain production?
💧 6. Water Scarcity & Climate Resilience
Droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and water scarcity make long-term production planning difficult for grain growers.
📊 Did You Know?
🔹 The frequency of severe droughts in Australia has increased by 30% over the past two decades.
💡 Challenge:
How can we improve water management and climate adaptation strategies to ensure grain farming remains viable?
We Need Your Ideas! 🚀
If you’re working on a new technology, idea, or innovative approach that addresses one of these challenges, we want to hear from you! Farmers2Founders, in partnership with GRDC, is supporting agtech solutions that can drive real impact in the grains industry.
📩 Submit your idea here:
Know someone who should see this? Send it to them and help us drive the future of Australian grains!
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