Agtech advancements in automation and mechanisation key topic of interest as Australian growers head to California for International Forum of Agricultural Robotics
A group of 16 Australian growers and members of the Queensland Government and Hort Innovation will head to California in October as part of a US study tour.
The International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA USA 2024) US Grower Study Tour will expose Australian growers to cutting-edge technological solutions and provide opportunities to connect with global leaders in the agriculture industry.
“Australian vegetable growers have a strong interest in learning about the latest advancements in Agtech and identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems,” said Ian Layden, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries director vegetables, systems and supply chains. The tour will offer more than 35 in-field technology demonstrations and will provide an opportunity to discuss the automation and mechanisation needs of the Australian vegetable industry and raise its profile as a market for these technologies.
“There will be farm visits, networking opportunities with growers from around the world, and insights into the future of agricultural innovation,” Layden said. “These opportunities will assist in identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.”
The growers will attend the conference as part of a new A$4.1mn initiative to boost the adoption of Agtech in the Australian vegetable industry.
“A prosperous and sustainable horticulture industry built on innovation is absolutely critical,” said Hort Innovation chief executive, Brett Fifield. “Opportunities like this vegetable-levy and Australian Government-funded study tour are essential for keeping Aussie growers at the front of global production advancements.”
David De Paoli, founding director of Queensland-based AustChilli Group, will be one of the 16 Australian growers attending the US Grower Study Tour. “Australia is an expensive country to do business, so it’s difficult to grow our export market and compete with countries with less red tape and cheaper costs,” he said. “Therefore, support from government and industry bodies to help us benchmark against our international competitors is extremely welcome.”
De Paoli said he was looking forward to learning more about the technology options that are not currently commercially available in Australia.
“I’m looking for robotics, automations and systems that can be used across my business: on farm and in the packhouse, factory or business operations, to assist in providing quality product in a cost-effective way.”
