Mr Fischer will talk at the Genebank networking night for rural journalists and agribusiness professionals about future-proofing Australia’s agriculture industry.

The night will feature presentations and discussions from a wide range of experts.

Mr Fischer said he was looking forward to the trip and hearing what others had to say.

“As the chairman of Global Crop Diversity Trust, I’ll be very interested in hearing about the research that is being done in the region,” he said.

“The need for plant biodiversity in wheat and barley varieties is crucial considering the mad swings of climate we’re having. 

“It will interesting to see what the drought conditions are currently like in the Wimmera since it’s been very dry there.”

He said it was important the agriculture industry constantly evolved to adapt to changes.

“It’s important we have the right varieties of grain to deal with climate volatility,” he said.

“This will help the younger generation come through in difficult times.

“I also want to remind people of the fabric of the region and the contributions of many far-sighted people who made such a big difference in the past.”

Mr Fischer served as Deputy Prime Minister during the Howard administration between 1996 to 1999, and was Leader of the Nationals from 1990 to 1999.

Since leaving politics, Mr Fischer served as chairman of Tourism Australia from 2004 to 2007, and was Ambassador to the Holy See from 2009 to 2012.

He now runs a cattle farm with his wife near Albury-Wondonga.

“In the Riverina we have had zero rain, so I’ll be also coming along as a citizen farmer,” he said.

Also speaking at the Genebank networking night will be Rural Press Club of Victoria president Laura Poole, Sally Norton from Australian Grains Genebank, Kent Knadozie from International Treaty and Tony Gregson from Crawford Fund.

The event will be held at Bonnie and Clyde’s Pizzeria, Horsham on Friday at 5.30pm.