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Industry insights and expert guidance for selling your agricultural business

Trusted advisors for agribusiness leaders

The agriculture industry is continuously evolving due to export demand, climate conditions, and policy shifts.

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Value drivers and transaction outlook for the agriculture industry

Australian agriculture has delivered sustained production strength following improved seasonal conditions and productivity gains. Export markets account for the majority of output, and recent years have seen record export values. 

This export orientation increases exposure to global commodity pricing, trade access and currency movements, which directly influence earnings stability. Public market benchmarks across agricultural products provide valuation reference points. For business owners, scale, margin quality and earnings resilience drive buyer appetite and sales outcomes.

  • Export demand across Asia supports Australian agricultural earnings. 
  • Broadacre farm profits and pricing cycles influence buyer confidence.
  • Production mix across crops, livestock and the fishing industry shapes margin stability.
  • Productivity gains through agricultural technology (AgTech) adoption and improved resource management.
  • Recent large-scale transactions across horticulture, food production and wine.

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"The agricultural industry continues to be a cornerstone of the Australian economy, bolstered by the nation's diverse geography and climate. Generating an average of $65 billion annually in goods and services, and reaching a record $80 billion in exports for 2022-23, the sector remains a dominant force in global markets. With significant growth opportunities on the horizon, driven by emerging AgTech innovations and sustainable farming practices, the industry is well-positioned to enhance productivity, resilience, and global competitiveness."
Tom Butler
Tom Butler
Managing Director

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY ADVISORS

Strategic advice for the agriculture industry

Agribusinesses present unique valuation challenges, from seasonal earnings to commodity exposure. Nash Advisory works with Australian agribusiness owners and investors to navigate acquisitions and structured sale processes. We combine sector insight with disciplined execution to achieve premium outcomes.

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total enterprise value transacted
$
1.9
bn+
Total enterprise value transacted
Enterprise value in FY22
$
400
m+
Enterprise value in FY25
successful deals completed
63
Successful deals completed
Private equity bolt-on deals
25
Private equity bolt-on deals
Valued team members
22
Team members
Completed transactions per year
15
+
Completed transactions per year

Current agriculture industry insights across Australia

Agriculture in Australia continues to adapt as export markets, climate change impacts and labour availability reshape performance. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and ABARES highlight shifts in agricultural production and gross value across livestock, cereals, the dairy industry, and fisheries and forestry. 

Water availability and seasonal rainfall patterns directly influence agricultural output, while commodity pricing volatility continues to affect farm profitability and transaction timing.

Market benchmarks and transaction multiples: Mid-market agricultural transactions commonly trade between 6.0x and 9.0x EBITDA, depending on scale, margin resilience and export positioning. Premium assets with strong demand drivers may achieve higher valuations.

Key factors affecting valuation

  • Commodity price cycles: Agricultural earnings are heavily influenced by global commodity prices. Fluctuations in grain, oilseed and livestock markets can significantly impact revenue stability and valuation outcomes.
  • Export demand and global trade exposure: Around 70% of Australian agricultural production is exported, meaning valuations are closely tied to global demand, trade access and currency movements.
  • Production diversification: Businesses operating across multiple commodities such as beef, lamb, cereals and oilseeds are generally viewed as lower risk due to reduced exposure to single-market volatility.
  • Operational scale and efficiency: Larger operations with modern infrastructure, strong logistics networks and efficient production systems tend to attract higher multiples due to improved margins and scalability.

Our transaction success stories

Nash Advisory has helped clients across agriculture and food production achieve strong outcomes in competitive sales processes.

Feedback from our clients

Working with Nash was an absolute pleasure. They were at all times completely responsible and accountable to everything that we needed. Their strong financial acumen was incredibly important throughout the whole process. It was really important that they were able to truly articulate the value of the business in its current state and also look and really delve into the potential future alternate uses for the business…We were really happy with the interest that Nash generated. So we had multiple seriously interested parties, which created that competitive tension that you really need in a deal and was able to achieve the outcome that we wanted and that we expected.

Fiona Selby
Managing Director of Boneo Park
Map of global buyers

Global Capabilities

Unlock a world of possibilities with Nash Advisory's global capabilities. Through our partnership with REACH, we provide unparalleled access to industry experts and local market connoisseurs across 30 countries.

Whether you're selling your business, merging, or seeking investment, our team of seasoned professionals crafts bespoke strategies tailored to your unique needs. Trust us to navigate the complexities of the global market, ensuring you achieve exceptional outcomes that reflect the true value of your hard work and dedication.

Global capabilities

The Nash Advisory advantage

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Work with our directors

As one of our clients, you will have direct access to the knowledge and experience of our directors. We will work through the whole process with you, from start to finish.

Real business experience

We know what makes a business appealing to buyers, because we've owned and run businesses ourselves. Our own experience informs every step of our process.

Network of buyers

Maximising the sale price of your business requires finding the right buyer. We have a broad network of contacts which includes Australian and international businesses.

Outcomes focused

We only succeed if you do. We focus all our efforts on getting you the best result. That's why most of our fees are on the back end.

Advisory services for Australian businesses

View all services

We advise Australian agribusiness owners on transactions across the industry. From assessing agribusiness value to executing structured sale processes, we deliver premium outcomes.

Selling a business

We provide expert guidance to help you prepare, market, and negotiate the best outcome for your business sale.

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Business valuations

Our team delivers accurate, data-driven valuations to help you understand and enhance your business’s worth.

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Business mergers & acquisitions

Our proprietary approach to business sales ensure you get the highest possible sale multiple for your business.

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Sample toolkit

Access our blueprint for a successful transaction

Let us guide you through the end-to-end process of a successful business sale. Explore real examples of transaction documents and understand what to expect at each stage.

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Completed agriculture and food industry transactions

We have delivered successful sales outcomes across agriculture-adjacent businesses, from food production to supply chain services. Our completed transactions span the broader agriculture and food industry.

Logo of Chefgood
Completed deal:

Chefgood

Date:
May 1, 2025
Transaction type:
Selling a business
Sub sector:
Ready Meals

Chefgood is a fast-growing Australian ready meals brand known for its health-focused product range and strong direct-to-consumer presence. The business offers a wide selection of calorie-controlled, chef-prepared meals targeting time-poor and health-conscious consumers.

In May 2025, Chefgood was acquired by My Muscle Chef, the leading Australian ready meals company backed by Quadrant Private Equity. The acquisition brings together two high-growth operators in the health-focused ready meals segment, with strong brand recognition and complementary capabilities across ecommerce, manufacturing and logistics.

Nash Advisory was engaged by Marley Spoon SE (XTRA:MS1) to manage the divestment of Chefgood as part of its broader strategic refocus. The transaction was led by Paul Nemets.

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Logo of Crackerjack Foods
Completed deal:

Crackerjack Foods

Crackerjack Foods is a leading, Melbourne-based frozen foods manufacturer, specialising in premium potato-based and frozen products. The company’s product line includes a variety of potato cake options, as well as battered hot dogs, hash browns and battered fish products.

In September 2023, Crackerjack entered into an agreement to be acquired by US French Fries manufacturer Lamb Weston. The transaction provides Lamb Weston with access to Crackerjack’s two manufacturing plants in Campbellfield and Keilor, where the business can continue making inroads in the ‘premiumisation’ trend within the frozen foods sector.

Nash Advisory was appointed by Crackerjack in February 2023 to assist with structuring and executing the divestment. The transaction was led by Paul Nemets. HWL Ebsworth acted as legal advisor on the transaction.

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Logo of Maggie Beer Holdings
Completed deal:

Maggie Beer Holdings

Date:
August 1, 2022
Sub sector:
Food service

Saint David's Dairy is a premium dairy brand that supplies milk and other dairy products to cafe's and restaurants across Victoria. SDD is an iconic brand, particularly in Melbourne's 'coffee culture' inner suburbs.

Maggie Beer Holdings engaged Nash Advisory to conduct a strategic review of their dairy operations. Ultimately, SDD was identified as a non-core asset and the business was divested to Goulburn Valley Creamery. All staff transitioned with the sale and SDD continues to operate in the local market.

The transaction was led by Nash Advisory’s Paul Nemets and Sean O’Neill.

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Logo of Australian Whole Foods
Completed deal:

Australian Whole Foods

Date:
December 1, 2016
Transaction type:
Selling a business
Sub sector:
Health Food

Australian Whole Foods needed a growth partner to inject significant funds into the business as part of their growth Strategy. The Nash Advisory team was able to secure a major funding partner in Patties Pies, owned by Pacific Equity Partners.

We also implemented an acquisition strategy to enable Australian Whole Foods to reach their ambitious growth goals.

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Want to sell your agriculture business?

From livestock and cereal to forestry and fishing, we help Australian agriculture businesses prepare for sale and navigate market conditions with confidence.

Meet our agriculture industry advisory team

Our advisors have led transactions across food processing, agricultural infrastructure and specialty agribusiness. We guide business owners through complex sales and acquisition processes.

Our locations across Australia

We operate across Australia’s major agricultural regions, advising businesses that contribute materially to the Australian economy. We understand market conditions, workforce dynamics and sector opportunity.

Our advisors travel across Australia to work with business owners on-site and manage transactions on the ground. We connect vendors with qualified domestic and international buyers, wherever they operate.

Latest market insights to guide your business

Explore our latest articles, reports and market commentary covering transactions, valuation trends and strategic business advice across multiple industries.

Connect with Nash Advisory on LinkedIn

Stay informed with transaction announcements, industry insights and strategic commentary from our directors. Follow Nash Advisory on LinkedIn to receive timely updates.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the agriculture industry in Australia?

The agriculture industry spans livestock, cereal, oilseed, dairy, horticulture, forestry and fishing. It employs over 300,000 people (including seasonal and contract workers) across regional Australia and supports broader supply chains. Australia produces significant volumes of beef, lamb, grains and other commodities for global markets.

How much is the agriculture industry worth in Australia?

Australian agriculture generates over $85 billion in annual production value, with total agriculture, fisheries and forestry production exceeding $100 billion in 2024–25. Agricultural exports consistently exceed $70 billion annually. The sector contributes around 3–4 per cent of Australia's GDP. Commodity pricing cycles and seasonal conditions influence year-to-year performance.

How do Australian Government regulations affect agriculture sales?

Regulatory matters can affect the timing and conditions precedent of divestments. The Department of Agriculture and other Australian Government bodies may apply requirements around live animals, export approvals, and biosecurity. Foreign buyers may also require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), particularly for acquisitions involving agricultural land. Buyers look for clear compliance history and strong governance. Early review reduces execution risk.

What information do buyers request during due diligence?

Buyers usually request financial statements, productivity data, stock or inventory records, supply agreements and contracts with key customers. They also review production volumes, often measured in tonnes for cropping operations, and processing capacity where relevant. Biosecurity systems, pest and disease controls, and compliance records support buyer confidence.

When is the right time to sell an agriculture business?

Timing depends on earnings performance, commodity pricing cycles and buyer appetite. Selling during a period of strong production and favourable market conditions can improve valuation outcomes. Business owners should also consider asset readiness, management depth and market positioning before commencing a sale process. Early preparation gives vendors more control over timing and outcome.

How long does it take to sell an agricultural business?

A structured sale process typically takes nine to twelve months from preparation to completion. Timelines vary depending on business complexity, buyer due diligence requirements and regulatory approvals. Early preparation of financial records, compliance documentation and operational data can reduce delays.

How does the gross value of agricultural production impact the business sale price?

The gross value of agricultural production provides context on sector performance and pricing cycles. Strong production value can signal favourable market conditions and buyer confidence. However, the sale price depends more heavily on earnings quality, margin stability and asset performance. Buyers assess how the business performs relative to broader industry benchmarks, not just headline output figures. Sustainable cash flow and operational resilience ultimately drive valuation outcomes.

What tax issues should owners consider before selling?

Capital gains tax, rollover relief and working capital treatments are the main tax considerations when selling an agricultural business. Transaction structuring should be reviewed early with tax advisors. Buyers also assess tax compliance and historical lodgements. Clear records support smoother due diligence and settlement.

Speak with our advisory team

If you are considering a sale, acquisition or strategic review, speak with our team. We provide clear, confidential advice tailored to your business and objectives.

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