Case Study: F&FG Drought Resilience Team at FarmWorld 2026
Introduction
From 26–28 March 2026, the Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG) Team attended FarmWorld 2026, recognising it as a premier engagement platform aligned with our strategic, regional and resilience objectives. The event provided a unique opportunity to connect with producers, industry, government and partners at scale, while reinforcing the work of the South East Node and the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub.
FarmWorld 2026 marked an important milestone for F&FG with the official launch of three major initiatives that will shape our work and impact over the coming years: our Strategic Plan 2026–29, our new membership offer, and our refreshed Food & Fibre Gippsland brand. FarmWorld 2026 also marked the unveiling of our renewed brand—reflecting positive change, refreshed leadership and our ambition to be a trusted, collaborative force for Gippsland’s food and fibre sectors.
One element of the Strategic Plan 2026is the proposal to reinvigorate Gippsland Trusted (GT) a brand and logo developed and managed by Food & Fibre Gippsland for produce (or products) that originate from the Gippsland region of Victoria. Understanding where a product comes from allows consumers to have trust in that product, as well as to connect with its place of origin. Gippsland’s clean, green reputation and stunning landscapes are reflected in our brand, which strengthens storytelling, sharpens communication and builds a confident presence to expand our reach and impact.
Building Resilience Through Engagement
Large events such as FarmWorld 2026 directly contribute to building Gippsland’s resilience by strengthening social capital, regional networks and knowledge exchange. These outcomes closely align with the focus areas of the South East Node managed by Food & Fibre Gippsland as part of the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub—adoption, capability, connectivity, innovation and resilience.
Research and program evidence consistently show that agricultural field days play a critical role in building community resilience. By strengthening social capital, networks and knowledge exchange, field days improve engagement and cohesion, accelerate the adoption of productive and climate‑resilient practices, and enhance drought preparedness. Large‑scale events extend these benefits across regions, supporting long‑term farm performance and community adaptability.
▶️Increased producer capability and confidence
Field days also support indicators relating to improved farmer skills, awareness and decision‑making by providing direct access to drought‑resilient practices, tools and peer learning opportunities. Exposure to real‑world examples and trusted expertise empowers producers to make more informed, resilient decisions.
▶️Strengthened regional networks and partnerships
FarmWorld brought together producers, advisers, researchers, service providers and industry in a single platform, strengthening stakeholder connectivity and regional collaboration. These connections underpin long‑term resilience and shared problem‑solving across Gippsland.
▶️Improved adoption pathways for innovation
Participation reduced learning barriers and accelerated exposure to proven technologies and management approaches, supporting innovation uptake and practice change across productive systems.
▶️Enhanced peer‑to‑peer learning and knowledge exchange
Large‑scale field days function as informal extension mechanisms, reinforcing farmer‑led learning and practical knowledge transfer aligned with Hub and Node extension objectives, allowing greater reach to priority and non‑engaged producers. FarmWorld’s accessibility enabled engagement with producers who may not otherwise participate in structured programs, supporting equity and reach indicators across the region.
▶️Alignment with Future Drought Fund Outcomes
Attendance at FarmWorld 2026 directly supported Future Drought Fund outcomes by improving drought preparedness and risk management, building knowledge, skills and capability, accelerating adoption of drought‑resilient practices, strengthening regional and community resilience, and fostering partnerships for locally driven solutions through co‑design and feedback.
Conclusion
Field day participation directly supports the Victorian Drought & Innovation Hub, South East Node indicators and Future Drought Fund outcomes by strengthening producer capability, accelerating adoption of drought‑resilient practices, expanding regional networks, and enhancing community cohesion and preparedness for drought, fire, flood, storm and biosecurity risks.
We are grateful to everyone who celebrated with us at FarmWorld 2026 and to those who continue to support our journey. Collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to working alongside our partners and stakeholders as we bring our Strategic Plan to life.
