#Agriculture innovation

Australian agribusiness has seen significant growth over the past few years reaching $75B in output last year.

Australia has the third largest marine area in the world and the ‘blue economy’ already contributes more than $81 billion* to the nation’s bottom line. And like land-based agriculture, there’s increasing pressure for the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and to produce food and energy, while conserving the ecosystem.

A thriving ecosystem of AgTech hubs featuring start-up advice for entrepreneurs, technology testbeds, and demonstration farms is ensuring South Australia builds a strong reputation as a global leader in AgTech. Off the back of evoke^AG. 2023 Dr Ben Baghurst explains why South Australia is the “state of Innovation”.

Developing innovative solutions and technology to make agriculture easier, more profitable, or sustainable is one thing, but getting farmers to use it is often a challenge. A new initiative by Farmers2Founders (F2F), is focused on breaking down the critical barriers to agtech adoption by putting the farmer first, building connections and removing some of the risk.

AgriFutures evoke^AG. is Asia Pacific’s leading agrifood tech event. Bringing together a diverse group of individuals and organisations in Adelaide on 21 and 22 February 2023 – and they’re all in one place. From farmers, to innovators, researchers, corporations, government agencies and investors – and everyone in between (or along the supply chain). It’s two days to hear about the latest developments in agrifood tech – in Australia and abroad – and build a network that’s a resource for life. If that’s not enough to get your boss (or if you’re the boss YOU) over the line, we’ve pulled together the top reasons you should attend evoke^AG. 2023.

Imagine an innovation system where universities are encouraged to step outside traditional discipline-specific boundaries, and throw the full might of their research and technology at our agricultural challenges? That’s a future, the Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology (CEAT) is embracing.

Enabling farmers with greater connectivity and driving productivity on-farm are key priorities for wireless networking company Zetifi, that’s just scored a $12 million Series A investment round to scale up production and support widespread adoption.

From paddock to plate and each step along the supply chain, Harvest Road is transforming its approach to animal welfare and sustainability. With significant investments across its premium beef, aquaculture and horticulture businesses, Harvest Road CEO, Paul Slaughter shares their bold vision to becoming a global agrifood leader.

How can we make agriculture an accessible, inclusive, and exciting career option for anyone to consider? What’s the key for encouraging farmers to adopt new technologies or practice change on farm? And how can greater access to education and resources support the industry to become more sustainable and resilient?

Applications for the 2023 evoke^AG. Future Young Leaders program are now open for 18 to 30-year-olds from Australia and New Zealand. Submissions close on Sunday, 3 July 2022.