Fuel, Fertiliser and Foreign Affairs: A Conversation with Minister Julie Collins

On this episode of the AgWatchers Podcast, we’re joined by Julie Collins to unpack the forces shaping Australian agriculture. From Canberra to the Middle East, we explore how geopolitical tensions are influencing fuel, fertiliser and food production and why events unfolding thousands of kilometres away are being felt at the farm gate. As instability in the Middle East rattles global energy markets, Australian producers are once again grappling with rising diesel prices, volatile fertiliser costs and mounting uncertainty across supply chains. When shipping lanes tighten and oil prices surge, the ripple effects are immediate, pushing up the cost of planting, harvesting and transporting food and fibre. For farmers, it’s a stark reminder that geopolitics can have as much influence on profitability as rainfall and commodity prices. Julie Collins shares her insights on regional Australia, agricultural policy and the role government plays in supporting producers through an increasingly complex and unpredictable global landscape. Together, we examine the challenges facing rural communities, the policy decisions shaping the sector’s future and the resilience required to navigate an era defined by uncertainty.