Australia's premier agricultural conference a week away

There is just under one week remaining until the nation's leading agricultural event, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) Outlook 2013.

The event, to be held next Tuesday March 5 and Wednesday March 6 at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, will provide an opportunity for agricultural stakeholders to examine the issues facing the industry.

The theme for 2013 is future food, future farming, reflecting the growing conversation around food security and supply, production and consumption.

Special focus will be given to how Australia's markets and environments will evolve and adapt to global changes.

"The conference combines the latest economic and trade data with the on-the-ground perspective of primary producers, information from policy makers and experts from across Australia and around the globe," said executive director of ABARES Paul Morris in a statement.

In addition, Mr Morris explains, the conference will examine "key risks and opportunities" presented by current economic and trade conditions, for individuals and for businesses.

The first session on Tuesday morning will be an economic overview, followed by afternoon sessions on global food demand and supply, farm performance, science and education for agriculture, emerging industries and more.

Wednesday will see sessions on, amongst others, markets and emerging opportunities, reforming Australia's biosecurity system, fibres, dairy, horticulture, grains and animal welfare.

Sessions will be led by leading national and international speakers, including representatives from the United Nations, India's National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research and the US Department of Agriculture.

Risk management is an important consideration for rural producers, and a comprehensive crop insurance policy should play a significant role in any strategy to manage risks.

Elders Insurance understands the needs of local producers all over Australia because its agents are members of rural communities with intimate knowledge of local conditions.

Our farm insurance cover can be completely tailored to our clients' needs, so that their policy provides the protection they need from the risks particular to their industry and location.