Future directions for rural industries and rural communities

Australia's 130,000 farmers generate $30 billion worth of exports each year and are custodians of 60% of our land mass. The Australian Government is committed to working with rural industries, and the communities they support, to grow their contribution to Australia's economic prosperity and our social wellbeing. The Government is also committed to examining how best to deliver services to rural communities in the future.

The Australia 2020 Summit [1] will examine:

• What rural industries are best positioned to take advantage of the global consumer markets of the 21st century
• What options are possible for effective structural adjustment for rural industries and communities suffering the long term impact of climate change
• What is the most intelligent form of support the Government can provide to ensure the long term sustainability of rural and regional communities, including the fostering of the next generation of Australian farmers.

Use this online forum to contribute your ideas to the Summit.