Innovation Minister heads to Silicon Valley to support technology in our farming future

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA: The Queensland Government is exploring opportunities for the state’s agricultural technology industries to collaborate with global leaders in the field as part of Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch’s attendance at the 2016 Silicon Valley AgTech Conference.

During the AgTech conference Minister Enoch met with high-profile industry leaders and representatives of top companies and investors in agricultural technology, including Terviva and UC Davis. 

“Queensland’s food and agriculture sector is our second biggest export earner, contributing more than $13 billion a year to the state’s economy, and there’s room to grow because we currently produce enough food for only a small percentage of the Asian population,” Ms Enoch said.

“We could earn millions more in export dollars in the coming years by taking advantage of growing food markets.”

“However, to remain competitive and seize the opportunities, our farmers and agricultural businesses will need to continue to innovate.”    

The Palaszczuk Government recently announced it will invest a further $2 million in agricultural innovation over the next three years through the Advance Queensland innovation and jobs plan.

“Last month we awarded 10 Advance Queensland Research Fellowships and PhD Scholarships to researchers who are leading agricultural projects ranging from better animal feedstocks and pest control, to improving crop yields and irrigation water,” Ms Enoch said.

Ms Enoch said recent developments in plant gene editing, automation, telecommunications, remote monitoring and drones highlight the critical role science and innovation plays in farming and offered exciting opportunities for the agriculture industry to increase yields and reduce costs.

“We want to build strong multinational relationships to ensure our farmers have access to the latest technologies that will help them farm smarter,” she said.

“The AgTech conference has been a great opportunity to meet with potential collaborators and investors and promote Queensland’s agtech industry, research capability and startups – particularly as farmers ramp up productivity to meet rising Asian demand.”

“With all this activity, we expect agtech startups to capitalise on the opportunities and investment companies to jump on board.” 

This week Minister Enoch visited Houston, Austin and San Francisco in the United States to promote international collaboration as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s focus on innovation and creating opportunities for Queensland businesses.

The Minister has also held meetings ahead of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk leading a Queensland research and business delegation to the 2016 BIO International Convention in San Francisco which will be held from 6 to 9 June.

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201