ABARES Marks 80 Years of Agricultural Research and Policy Support

Image: ABARES

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) is celebrating a remarkable milestone—80 years of research, analysis, and policy support for Australia’s agriculture and resource sectors.

Established on 21 August 1945 as the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, the bureau was initially tasked with “investigating the economic prospects of primary industries with particular reference to efficiency factors.” Over the decades, it has grown into a leading institution recognised for its independent, evidence-based analysis that continues to underpin Australia’s agricultural sustainability and growth.

In 2010, ABARES assumed its current name following a merger with the Bureau of Rural Sciences. This integration strengthened its capacity to deliver combined economic, scientific, and social research, ensuring that its insights remain relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

From shaping post-war agricultural policies to tackling modern-day challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and biosecurity, ABARES has been at the forefront of guiding national priorities. Its contributions have played a pivotal role in structural reform, trade negotiations, and natural resource management.

Reflecting on the bureau’s achievements, ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville highlighted its enduring mission: “Since we began, ABARES’ aim has been to provide professionally independent economic analysis and advice on agricultural policies—a mission that has remained at our core,” he said.

A central part of the bureau’s work has been its renowned farm surveys program, which has provided annual insights into Australia’s broadacre and dairy industries since its expansion in 1971. Dr Greenville acknowledged the essential role of the farming community in this success: “The support of Australian farmers who volunteer their time and provide their data each year has been critical to the success of the farm surveys.”