Forum puts farm profitability and regional viability on the agenda for Wide Bay-Burnett
Farmers, industry leaders, regional stakeholders and community members in the Wide Bay Burnett regions are being invited to come together at the Ag Horizons Forum to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing regional Australia — the long-term viability and profitability of agriculture.
The Ag Horizons Forum will be held in Kingaroy on 19 June, 2026.
Former Mayor of the South Burnett, Keith Campbell, who has been concerned about the future of farming in his region for some time1, said the Forum was kickstarted by the devastating news of the closure of the Peanut Company of Australia facility2 in Kingaroy last year.
“The Ag Horizons Forum was formed by farmers and community leaders determined to fight for the future of agriculture and regional Australia” said Mr Campbell.
While the fate of the peanut industry inspired the forum, organisers say the issues being discussed extend far beyond a single commodity or region.
“We are deeply concerned about the lack of profitability across many Australian agricultural industries and the future of the food manufacturers and processors that regional Australia relies on to value-add to our products” said Mr Campbell.
The forum is being hosted to bring together farmers, business leaders and regional community leaders to share ideas and drive practical solutions that strengthen businesses and revitalise regional economies.
Fellow organiser, Judy Plath, a sugarcane and soybean grower from the Bundaberg region, says too many farmers are simply not being paid enough for the food and fibre they produce, placing enormous pressure on farming families, businesses and rural communities.
“You can’t innovate your way out of bad prices” Mrs Plath said.
“Farmers are constantly being told to improve efficiency, but there comes a point where no amount of innovation can overcome low commodity prices and power imbalances in the marketplace” Mrs Plath said.
Organisers said they were honoured to announce Rachel Chambers, the Queensland Food Farmers Commissioner, as the forum’s keynote speaker.
Ms Chambers is dedicated to fostering fairness and transparency in the food supply chain, ensuring that Queensland farmers are supported and empowered to thrive in a competitive market. Ms Chambers work will contribute to a sustainable agricultural sector and promote consumer confidence in Queensland's food industry.
Ms Chambers will be joined by a range of speakers tackling topics including competition imbalances, supermarket conduct, building a global business in regional Queensland, global and domestic market policies and the impact on agriculture and more.
According to fellow organiser, Kumbia grower, Peter Howlett, the final session of the forum will focus on developing a practical “plan of attack” to help put agricultural profitability and regional viability squarely on the public agenda.
“We’re certainly not professing to have all the answers, but we are very focused on making sure these issues are openly discussed and prioritised” said Mr Howlett.
If profitability isn’t on the agenda, the issue can’t be addressed” said Mr Howlett.
Organisers also say there is an important connection between farm profitability and sustainability outcomes.
“It’s tough for farmers to be ‘green’ when they’re in the ‘red’ ” said Mr Howlett.
“Improving profitability increases the capacity of farmers to invest back into their land, their businesses and their communities” said Mr Howlett.
The Ag Horizons Forum will be held in Kingaroy on 19 June from 9 am – 3 pm and is being delivered thanks to generous support from sponsors, particularly Regional Development Australia – Wide Bay Burnett.
Attendees from all industries and regions are encouraged to attend.
The forum is not industry specific but is more focused on the broader challenges affecting many sectors.
For more information, and to register for the event and secure your tickets, visit aghorizonsforum.com.au .