AgTech Showcase kicks off month of innovation

• AgTech Month (1-30 November) highlights cutting edge innovation and technology transforming agriculture 
• AgTech Month kicks off with the Gatton AgTech Showcase
• The Showcase features innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones and protected cropping

An impressive display of future-shaping AgTech will kick off a raft of events across Queensland for AgTech Month this November.

The Gatton AgTech Showcase, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland and Hort Innovation with support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, will shine a light on the latest innovations in field robotics, sensors, drones, protected cropping, postharvest management, cover cropping, strip tillage and more.

Unprecedented interest in the Showcase, to be held from 1-2 November, means a second day of demonstrations have been added to the calendar.

This will allow more visitors — horticulture growers, agribusinesses, tech enthusiasts, consultants, researchers and students — to experience first-hand the latest in agricultural innovation, some of which will be on display in Australia for the first time.

Though registrations have now closed for the Gatton event, more opportunities for the public to engage with AgTech are planned throughout the month.

Other highlights include:

• AusBiotech convention in Brisbane from November 1 to 3.
• Queensland Farmers’ Federation AgTech breakfast at Customs House in Brisbane for National Agriculture Day on Friday November 17 (QFF National Agriculture Day AgTech Breakfast - Queensland Farmers' Federation).
• AgTech and Logistics Hub plant health demonstration day on November 23 (Plant Health Demo Day - Agtech Logistics Hub).

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

“Emerging technology is crucial for continuing to grow Queensland’s agriculture sector in a rapidly changing global market,” Minister Furner said.

“This showcase is an example of the Queensland Smart Farm initiative playing an integral role in accelerating AgTech adoption and driving collaboration in the agricultural industry, producing better services, good jobs and greater outcomes.

“To see the unprecedented interest for the first Gatton Smart Farm AgTech Showcase shows the interest in technology and the influence that the Gatton Smart Farm team have in the Lockyer Valley, across Queensland and Australia.

“These technologies will help ensure Queensland’s $24 billion agricultural industry continues to thrive in the face of global challenges like emissions reduction, climate resilience, productivity and biosecurity preparedness.

“AgTech Month is a great opportunity for industry stakeholders and the general public to get involved in the cutting-edge future of our agriculture industry.”

Quotes attributable to Hort Innovation: Brett Fifield CEO

“Exposure to new technologies that bring on-farm efficiencies has never been more important for the horticulture sector,” Mr Fifield said.

“The world’s best horticulture demands the very best innovation, which is why Hort Innovation is committed to partnering with industry on initiatives such as the Gatton Smart Farm, which provide growers with the opportunity to see technology in action.”

ENDS

Media contact – 0417 296 116