One of the world’s most prominent agricultural conferences set for Sydney following successful bid

In an exciting win for the Australian agriculture industry, the 2028 Commonwealth Agricultural Conference will take place in Sydney following a successful bid from the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS of NSW) to the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC).

Set to be held in April 2028, the event will run in conjunction with the RAS of NSW’s Sydney Royal Easter Show, the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.  

Held biannually, the RASC conference brings together delegates from almost fifty agricultural societies across twenty-one Commonwealth countries to share ideas and innovations in agriculture.

The next RASC Conference will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 1–5 November 2026, bringing together members of the Commonwealth’s agricultural societies to continue strengthening international collaboration across the sector. More information about the 2026 conference is available at https://www.rasc2026.com/.

The 2028 event will be the 32^nd Agricultural Conference held and will allow Australia to showcase its thriving agricultural and progressive industry on a global scale.

During the visit, delegates will also be invited to explore regional and rural New South Wales via a pre-conference tour, where they can experience Australian farms firsthand and meet local producers.  

Founded in 1957 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the RASC is the voice of agriculture across the Commonwealth.

The last time the RASC Conference was hosted in Australia was in 2014.

Quotes:

President of the RAS of NSW, John Bennett OAM.

“As a founding member of the RASC, the RAS of NSW has actively participated in RASC conferences across the globe for decades, sharing our expertise and working towards strengthening the global agricultural community.

“To have the opportunity to host a conference here in Australia and showcase everything our industry has to offer is tremendous. With 200 years of experience behind us, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a conference of global significance and I believe the Sydney Royal Easter Show will offer the perfect backdrop for a landmark Commonwealth gathering.”

Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales. 

“I am delighted to hear that the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has won the bid to host the 2028 Commonwealth Agricultural Conference. As Governor, I look forward to welcoming international delegates to New South Wales in 2028, and as Patron of the society, I celebrate this announcement with them, knowing that the conference will increase connection and collaboration with our Commonwealth friends and provide a unique opportunity to showcase the excellence and innovation at the heart of our NSW agricultural sector.”

The Hon. Tara Moriarty, MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Regional New South Wales, and Western New South Wales.

“Hosting the 2028 Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference in Western Sydney, in conjunction with the Sydney Royal Easter Show, would provide a powerful platform to showcase the strength, diversity and innovation of New South Wales agriculture to international delegates. It would highlight our leadership in sustainable primary industries, support regional communities and strengthen global agricultural partnerships.”

To learn more about the RAS of NSW, please visit www.rasnsw.com.au or explore the RASC website at www.therasc.com.