Key takeaways
The MITEZ Regional Resilience Forum in Richmond brought together international produce marketing companies, producers, advocates, researchers, ag tech companies, community leaders and policymakers to explore how innovation, collaboration and practical planning can help re-shape the challenges faced by North West Queensland’s agricultural sector.
Maria James, MITEZ Chief Executive Officer, opened the forum by welcoming attendees and highlighting the importance of resilience planning for the region’s future prosperity. The event was the second in MITEZ’s 2025 Regional Resilience Series, with this one connecting stakeholders and exploring opportunities for the future of agriculture in the North West.
Attendees heard a wide range of presentations focused on topics including land access, succession planning, agricultural innovation, regional development, workforce attraction, and connectivity. The day also included working group discussions, networking, and breakout sessions to generate
Professor David Phelps, Director of the TNQ Drought Hub, presented on the Hub’s purpose and its role in supporting regionally led innovation, co-design and practical resilience activities in partnership with producers and researchers.
“It’s excellent to be in the room with such passionate people who are invested in focusing on our region’s prosperity,” he said. “The North West has a rapidly emerging cropping sector, which is attracting investment from globally connected produce trading companies. This signals the region has a strong potential to diversify its economic base, and hence buffer against downturns in the beef sector. This helps build resilience for the region.”
A central thread throughout the day was the importance of engaging young people in agriculture with the need for mental health support, access to opportunities, and long-term leadership pathways for the next generation. Strong digital infrastructure was also identified as a key enabler of both agricultural productivity and social wellbeing in isolated communities. Forum discussions also focused on the energy sector, emerging markets and land use opportunities.
A highlight of the forum was the property visit, where attendees were able to see local trials that are exploring new rotations that can increase productivity in dryland systems using drought-hardy crops like sesame and pigeon peas. Supported by the Richmond Shire Council, the trial’s findings will be made publicly available to help other producers consider its potential. The visit also sparked discussion about regional development and infrastructure investment, with participants reflecting on how government-supported projects like these can position the region as an emerging farming region.
The event concluded with networking and next steps, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration across state and sector lines. From chickpea growers and drone mustering contractors to carbon project facilitators and regional planners, the forum demonstrated how diverse expertise and a shared commitment to resilience can create a stronger future for North West Queensland.
