Handling emerging challenges.

Abstract

As in many other parts of the world, Australian agriculture is facing increasing challenges resulting from domestic and global economic, political, social and cultural changes. Added to these challenges are the uncertainties caused by climatic variations. The Australian way of handling some of these major challenges is highlighted in this chapter. Increasingly uncertain world markets and volatile weather conditions (especially severe floods and droughts) are two major complications that make farming in Australia most challenging. The ways in which these two challenges are handled are presented. The chapter also discusses how biosecurity threats, farm succession, labour and skills shortage, strong public demand for environmental protection, and the urban-rural divide are being addressed.