A global invitation: Western Australia is “open for business”
Through agritech innovation, sustainable farming systems, and global partnerships, Western Australia is emerging as a hub for resilient agriculture and investment.

“Our farmers and producers have had to be extremely innovative from day one,” Simon Tarmo from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), says.
As the Business Development Manager for Agrifood-tech and TradeStart Advisor at DPIRD, Simon is no stranger to Western Australia’s (WA) diverse climate zones, challenging soil conditions and sheer remoteness – and the culture of innovation, and sustainable practices they’ve driven.
“We’ve had to build systems, processes, and technology itself to solve unique problems.”
Today, this legacy fuels an “organic technology sector” tailored to the state’s needs, positioning WA as a global leader in adaptive and sustainable farming technologies.

Simon Tarmo, DPIRD Business Development Manager.
Innovation born from necessity
Agritech in WA is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.
“We have different climate zones, all with different farming systems, from grains through to meat and pastoral, to horticulture in the north,” Simon says.
Each zone presents unique environmental demands, he adds requiring tailored farming approaches and specialised technology.
With challenges like poor soil quality, water scarcity, and unpredictable weather, WA’s farmers rely on agritech to adapt and thrive.
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“Drought resilience and water management are key challenges we need to address for the long-term sustainability of our sector,” Simon notes, adding that the state’s harsh environment demands continuous innovation – “it’s a no-brainer.”
By investing in soil health, water conservation, and adaptive techniques, WA is setting a standard for resilient agriculture in arid regions. This necessity-driven innovation makes WA an ideal testing ground for agritech solutions, Simon adds that not only meet local demands but address shared challenges worldwide.
Fostering collaboration to benefit producers
DPIRD plays a key role in advancing agriculture, aquaculture, food, and fisheries sectors by fostering partnerships in science, research, regulation, and industry to support sustainable development.
A primary focus is “linking up” WA producers facing demand-side challenges with tech innovators and corporates who can provide solutions. Innovative approaches that bring together key stakeholders can help foster a collaborative approach that address the evolving needs of WA agriculture.
evokeAG. 2024 in Perth was instrumental in uniting the entire ecosystem, Simon highlights, for farmers, startups, corporates, and researchers, and driving valuable discussions and connections.
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“We saw all the key groups in the agritech ecosystem come together in the same week,” he says.
“These interactions proved valuable for DPIRD in identifying industry problems and opportunities, and guiding future focus areas.
“We want to keep that momentum rolling since hosting evokeAG. 2024, and keep those doors open for both inbound and outbound interest in WA as a destination for investment and as a potential source for solutions for the rest of the world.”
To support this vision, DPIRD is continuing to support WA’s agritech ecosystem via a series of programs that build on these connections and ensure long-term support for the sector:
- Sustainable Innovative Food Technology (SIFT)
- The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC)
- Growers Group Alliance – Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub
- Founders Factory WA Nature Tech Accelerator program
- Western Australian Food Innovation Precinct (FIPWA)
- Murdoch’s Food Futures Institute
- AgriStart Accelerator Program
Supply chain innovation: Rising above remoteness
‘As the most remote capital in the world,’ Simon notes WA’s isolation has driven innovation across the supply chain, making it essential for the state’s agricultural sector to thrive in global markets.
“WA has turned this geographic challenge into a strength, using technology to optimise logistics, extend product shelf life, and ensure traceability,” he says.
“Any new innovations in shelf life, traceability, and freight options are highly valued here.”
These advancements are critical for maintaining WA’s export standards and meeting the growing demand for transparency in food production.
By refining its supply chain, WA can ensure that its products reach international markets efficiently and sustainably, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a source of premium, reliable food and fibre.
Open invitation, open for business
To truly be “open for business,” WA is looking beyond its borders, actively cultivating relationships in key international markets. DPIRD’s partnerships with Singapore and New Zealand exemplify this strategy.
“Singapore provides a pathway into Southeast Asia and offers significant investment opportunities,” Simon explains. As a financial and technological hub, Singapore opens doors for WA’s agritech sector to expand its reach and build lasting ties across the region.
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By participating in global events and signing memorandums of understanding (MOU) with regional counterparts, WA is solidifying its position as a launchpad for agritech solutions in Asia. WA-born traceability tech startup, Orijin Plus is a great export example, Simon adds, that’s currently raising capital, via AgriFutures growAG. here.
New Zealand, with its similar agricultural challenges, has also become a key WA partner.
“We’re looking to embark on an exchange program with New Zealand and some of WA’s rising startups, to share knowledge, explore solutions, and create commercial opportunities.”
These partnerships aren’t just transactional; they foster a spirit of collaboration that benefits all parties, he adds as WA shares its innovations and gains valuable insights from other markets.
With evokeAG. 2025 on the horizon, WA is doubling down on its message: it is open for business and eager to welcome new ideas, investments, and partnerships.
This openness is not just about attracting capital; it’s about creating a collaborative environment where agritech can flourish.
“We’ve been developing great solutions on our own, now we need to communicate both our solutions and challenges with the world and create links for collaboration.”
Tickets are now on sale for evokeAG. 2025 to be held on 18-19 February 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland. Following a sell-out event in 2024 we are encouraging delegates to secure their tickets, flights and accommodation early.
We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane for evokeAG. 2025. In the meantime, catch up on the other conversations about sustainability, climate resilience and the role of agtech in meeting those challenges from here.