ACIAR collaborates with both public and private research entities to boost the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices and to fortify the food systems' resilience across the Indo-Pacific partner countries.

ACIAR is guided by a 10-Year Strategy that focuses strongly on issues to improve food security and reduce poverty.

Professor Wendy Umberger is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

Professor Umberger was appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in July 2023 and is the first woman to lead the agency and its seventh CEO since the organisation was established in 1982.

[15] On commencement of her leadership in August 2023, Professor Umberger acknowledged the strong position of ACIAR in contributing to transforming global agrifood systems.Professor Umberger reaffirmed the agency's commitment to working with international and Australian research partner organisations and agencies to further strengthen the research partnerships needed to underpin sustainable agrifood systems.

ACIAR also supports training activities delivered by the Crawford Fund including the Master Class and Training Program, a program of online mentoring linking agricultural researchers from developing countries with mentors in Australia, and the next-gen suite of activities designed to build interest in careers in international agricultural research.