The Southern Highlands Future Forum returns in 2026 with a focus on Regenerative Food Systems and the vital role they play in creating healthy landscapes, healthy food and resilient communities. The event will explore practical regenerative agriculture, soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, nutrition, climate adaptation and circular local economies.
Now in its third year, the Forum will bring together people from across the Southern Highlands and surrounding regions to learn, share ideas and explore practical solutions that strengthen our connection to food, farming and the environment.
The program has been designed to appeal to both those working directly on the land and community members interested in supporting a more sustainable and resilient local food system.
Why Regenerative Food Systems?
Regenerative agriculture is increasingly recognised as an important tool for supporting:
- Healthy soils and biodiversity
- Improved water resilience
- Productive and resilient farms
- Local food security
- Climate adaptation
- Circular local economies
- Stronger, healthier communities
The Forum will showcase practical examples, emerging opportunities and local initiatives already contributing to these outcomes.
Session 1 10am-12pm: How Regenerative Agriculture Works on the Land
This session focuses on practical opportunities for farmers, landholders and food producers.
Topics will include:
- Regenerative agriculture practices and land stewardship
- Cost benefits of regenerative agriculture
- Innovative farming and food production practices
- Carbon farming opportunities
- Local and circular food systems
- Soil health and biodiversity
- Water resilience and landscape restoration
- Climate adaptation in agriculture
A question-and-answer session will follow.
Lunchtime 12-1:30pm: Come and meet some of our local producers and enjoy a sausage sizzle
Come and join us for the lunch break:
A complimentary sausage sizzle (including vegetarian options) will be provided.
Come and meet some of our local food producers and organisations that support them on their journey.
This is a plastic-free event. Attendees are encouraged to support the event's commitment to waste reduction and circular economy principles. Water refill locations will be available on site.
Session 2 1:30-3:30pm: How the Whole Community Can Support a Regenerative Food System
This session will focus on the important role the wider community plays in supporting regenerative food systems.
Topics will include:
- Regenerative agriculture and land stewardship
- Soil health and biodiversity
- Local and circular food systems
- Supporting local producers
- Circular economies
- Climate resilience for farms and communities
- Food nutrition and healthy food systems
A question-and-answer session will follow.
Join the Conversation
Whether you are a farmer, gardener, food enthusiast, community member, educator or simply interested in the future of food and farming in the Southern Highlands, the Southern Highlands Future Forum 2026 offers an opportunity to learn from practical examples and be part of the conversation about creating a more resilient future.
-34.479852013134966, 150.4203030035305
16 Bendooley Street, ,
Bowral 2576
Bowral Memorial Hall
16 Bendooley Street, ,
Bowral 2576
Southern Highlands Future Forum 2026 - Regenerative Food Systems