Darwin to host Agronomy Australia Conference for first time
The Northern Territory (NT) will host the prestigious Agronomy Australia Conference for the first time in 2026, bringing leading researchers, agronomists, growers and industry professionals to Darwin for one of Australia’s premier agricultural science events.
The conference, themed 'Agronomy for a Diverse Future', will be held from 24 to 26 August 2026 at Charles Darwin University’s newly opened Danala Campus. It will be followed by regional field trips across the Top End and ancillary events on 27 and 28 August.
The event marks the first time in the Australian Agronomy Society’s 45-year history that the conference has been hosted in the NT, reflecting the growth and innovation underway across northern agriculture.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) played a central role in securing the conference for Darwin through a successful bid developed in partnership with Business Events Northern Territory.
DAF Senior Director Plant Industries, Muhammad Sohail Mazhar is serving as President of Agronomy Australia 2026 and is leading the conference organising committee on behalf of the department, working closely with industry, research and government partners to deliver the event.
The organising committee includes representatives from DAF, Charles Darwin University, CSIRO, Northern Territory Farmers Association, Top End Agronomists, The Northern Hub and the Northern Australia Crop Research Alliance.
The conference will explore the growing need for diversity across agronomy and agricultural systems, with sessions focused on tropical and arid-zone farming systems, horticulture, Indigenous knowledge, emerging technologies, sustainability and multidisciplinary science.
A strong horticulture focus is expected throughout the program, with delegates offered opportunities to experience northern production systems firsthand through industry tours during the NT mango harvest season.
The conference provides an important opportunity to showcase the NT expanding role in agricultural innovation, research and industry development to a national audience.
DAF is supporting the conference as a platinum sponsor as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across industry, research and government while promoting the Territory as a leader in tropical agriculture.
Conference delegates will include growers, agronomists, researchers, advisers, students and industry leaders from across Australia and New Zealand.
Students and early-career researchers will also have opportunities to participate through specialist networking and research development activities, including a masterclass designed for early career agronomists, master’s and PhD students.
Key dates 2026
- Draft paper submissions due - 24 April
- Final paper submissions due - 8 May
- Conference dates - from 24 to 26 August
- Regional field trips and ancillary events - from 27 to 28 August
More information
For more information go to the Agronomy Australia Conference website.
