Queensland’s AgTech Month has started, featuring various events showcasing innovations that could shape the future of agriculture.
“AgTech Month is a great opportunity for industry stakeholders and the general public to get involved in the cutting-edge future of our agriculture industry,” Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said.
Minister Furner emphasised the importance of emerging technology in sustaining the growth of the agricultural sector in the rapidly evolving global market.
“These technologies will help ensure Queensland’s $24 billion agricultural industry continues to thrive in the face of global challenges like emissions reduction, climate resilience, productivity and biosecurity preparedness,” the Minister stated.
The Gatton AgTech Showcase, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland and Hort Innovation, showcases the latest innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones, protected cropping, postharvest management, cover cropping, and strip tillage.
The two-day Showcase, attended by horticulture growers, agribusinesses, tech enthusiasts, consultants, researchers, and students, provided visitors with first-hand experience of the latest agricultural innovations, some of which were on display in Australia for the first time.
“This showcase is an example of the Queensland Smart Farm initiative playing an integral role in accelerating AgTech adoption and driving collaboration in the agricultural industry, producing better services, good jobs and greater outcomes,” Minister Furner said.
According to Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield, exposure to innovative technologies that improve on-farm productivity has never been more crucial for the horticulture sector.
“The world’s best horticulture demands the very best innovation, which is why Hort Innovation is committed to partnering with industry on initiatives such as the Gatton Smart Farm, which provide growers with the opportunity to see technology action,” Fifield added.
Other highlights include the AusBiotech convention in Brisbane from 1 to 3 November, Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s AgTech breakfast for the National Agriculture Day on 17 November, and AgTech and Logistics Hub plant health demonstration day on 23 November.
