$1.3 million to strengthen digital resilience of Queensland agribusinesses 

• Seven industry organisations receive Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants
• Matched grants of up to $100,000 accelerate the trialling and adoption of AgTech across the agri-system
• Queensland Government support for digital transformation builds a sustainable and resilient future.

Seven Queensland organisations have been awarded funding to trial and adopt digital solutions within Queensland’s agricultural, fishery and forestry industries.

Through the Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants Scheme, Queensland’s food, fibre and foliage industries are embracing new technology and are responding to challenges such as managing biosecurity risks, climate variability, labour supply and supply chain efficiencies.

Funded projects in round two include the adoption of digital monitoring and management systems, farm data collection tools, real-time machine learning applications and robotic solutions.

Projects funded through the digital grants increases business confidence and trust in AgTech and supports agribusinesses to integrate digital solutions into their operations. This a priority action to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in the Queensland AgTech Roadmap 2023-2028.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner:

“The Queensland Government is committed to achieving sustainable agriculture through the transformational power of digital technologies, clean energy, and local innovation,” Mr Furner said.

“$5.5 million has been invested through the Digital Transformation in Agribusiness Initiative, to assisting agribusinesses in becoming digitally savvy and equipped to tackle future disruptions.

“Technologies are developing rapidly and leveraging digital solutions in agricultural, fishery, and forestry industries can significantly enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of operations.

“Staying ahead of new technologies is crucial for safeguarding Queensland's agriculture sector now and into the future.”

Further information:

The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) administers the Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grants Scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Successful round two applicants were:

• Food and Agribusiness Network Ltd – Sunshine Coast
• Cotton Australia Ltd – Toowoomba Region
• Central Highlands Development Corporation Ltd – Central Highlands
• Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Inc - Whitsunday
• The Food Industries Association of Queensland Inc –  Sunshine Coast
• Queensland Oyster Growers Association Inc - Moreton Bay
• FNQ Food Incubator Pty Ltd - Cairns

ENDS

Media contact

Minister’s Office - Martin Philip 0407 675 008

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Media Team – 0477 522 684