The new International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture has been unveiled at Narrabri to tackle modern agriculture challenges such as developing drought-tolerant crops and global food security.
University of Sydney scientists are using advanced digital, genetic, agronomy, and soil laboratories at the IA Watson Grains Research Centre to tackle significant agricultural challenges.
“We have a bold mission: to help transform global food security, environmental sustainability and economic resilience,” University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Emma Johnston said.
The International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture’s research will focus on modifying crops for drought and heat tolerance, delivering sustainable food security solutions, and increasing farmer productivity.
Farm productivity research will complement work currently being done on developments in digital agriculture.
NSW Wheat Research Foundation Executive Officer Katrina Swift believes that the high-tech aspect of the research facility will assist in decentralising research jobs, benefiting all of regional NSW.
She noted that developing robotic technology in regions offers individuals a promising career path and opportunities for research challenges.
The NSW Government established the International Centre of Crop and Digital Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Sydney and industry leaders Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), and NSW Wheat Research Foundation.
