The innovations that will be critical to boosting Australian agricultural productivity growth are highlighted in a new joint report by ABARE-BRS and CSIRO.

Released by ABARE-BRS Chief Scientist Dr Kim Ritman, Technological innovation and productivity in dryland agriculture in Australia, reviews research investments that have enabled productivity increases in Australian dryland agriculture in Australia and identifies possible sources of future productivity gains.

"There are a number of major challenges facing the future of food and farming," Dr Ritman said.

"A growing world population, changing demand for food and environmental pressures, such as climate change, are all examples of the critical issues that will place pressure on agriculture and food production in the coming years.

Farming in semi-arid environments faces special problems in contributing to the world's food supply according to CSIRO co-author and Sustainable Agriculture Flagship Deputy Director, Dr Peter Carberry.

"As a semi-arid nation Australia's contribution to global efforts to meet the challenges facing agriculture provides a potent case study," Dr Carberry said

"Despite our variable climate and fragile environment, Australian dryland farming systems have performed favourably compared to agricultural sectors in most other countries over the past 30 years," he said.

"Australian research, development and extension has been a significant contributor to the realised agricultural productivity growth over this period," Dr Ritman said.

The report, which is a collaborative effort between ABARE-BRS and CSIRO, also forms Australia's contribution to the United Kingdom Government's Foresight project on Global Food and Farming Futures.

"This project was another opportunity for scientists in ABARE-BRS and CSIRO to make a significant contribution to a study of agricultural productivity," Dr Ritman said.