ANU strengthens Mongolia-Australia collaboration on agricultural policy

A workshop held at the Australian National University on 6 June brought together Mongolian and Australian researchers, policymakers, and development partners to share lessons and strengthen collaboration on agricultural policy reform.

The event was part of an ACIAR-funded project led by the Crawford School of Public Policy. It provided a platform for both countries to reflect on their shared challenges and aspirations in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

“Mongolia is at a significant turning point, and these conversations help us better understand shared challenges and opportunities”, said Professor Yu Sheng, co-lead of the project, “This workshop is about working with Mongolia on its rural and agricultural transformation, learning from each other’s experience”.

Despite differences in size and climate, Mongolia and Australia face many similar policy challenges – from managing pastoral systems and rural services to supporting trade, innovation, and climate resilience. These parallels shaped a productive and open dialogue throughout the day.

“What we’re really aiming for is to identify the practical lessons from Australia that are most relevant to Mongolia”, said Professor Christopher Findlay, “It’s about listening, documenting, and supporting local decision-making, not prescribing solutions”.

Mr Battuvshin Batmunkh, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Mongolia in Canberra, remarked that the event “not only disseminates initial research outcomes, but also strengthens partnerships between our nations”. He welcomed the spirit of cooperation and shared learning evident across sessions.

The workshop included sessions on rural transformation, value chains, agricultural innovation, trade, and environmental sustainability. It also highlighted the value of long-term institutional partnerships and the role of policy dialogue in supporting inclusive, evidence-based reform.

This workshop marks an important step in the ongoing collaboration between ANU, and ACIAR, helping to bridge experience, build capacity, and support policy development for the future of agriculture in both countries.