AdvanceAg to boost adoption of AgTech in Australia

Robot tractors, an army of drones and virtual reality farm simulations can be expected to explode into the Adelaide Showground for the inaugural AdvanceAg AgTech showcase aimed at jolting South Australia’s farms to the next evolution of on-farm technology.

Transform agricultural industries

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said AdvanceAg will officially launch the Government’s AgTech agenda to transform agricultural industries through accelerated adoption of cutting-edge technology.

The 24 February 2020 event will be headlined by Israeli start-up funder and Terra Venture Partners’ founder Dr Astorre Modena.

“One of the biggest opportunities for South Australian farmers is the adoption of technology and we want AdvanceAg to be an event that provides access to the latest thinking in on-farm innovation and efficiency,” said Minister Whetstone.

Encourage greater adoption on-farm

“This event is an opportunity to hear and share ideas on cutting-edge technology and ways our industries can encourage greater adoption on-farm. We‘ve secured a highly experienced international speaker as a result of contacts made during my study tour to Israel earlier in the year,” said Minister Whetstone.

According to Tim Whetstone, the Marshall Liberal Government is focused on boosting the state’s economy through the Growth State Agenda and AgTech is an important contributor to that growth.

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AdvanceAg is to be an event that provides access to the latest thinking in on-farm innovation and efficiency. – Photo: thingc Robotics

Realising benefits of new technologies and on-farm innovation

“Adoption of AgTech will make our agricultural industries more productive, sustainable and profitable through realising the benefits of new technologies and on-farm innovation, and I want South Australia to be a world leader in the adoption and commercialisation of AgTech”, Minister Whetstone said.

The State Government has appointed an AgTech Advisory Group and is showcasing AgTech at 2 research farms in the South East. Minister Whetstone: “Recognising many of our producers are facing drought, entry to AdvanceAg will be made affordable for farmers and their families.”

Focus on adoption of agtech

Dr Leanna Read, independent chair of the Minister’s AgTech Advisory Group, is excited about the potential for the event to encourage producers to experiment with new tech. “AdvanceAg is an opportunity to explore what’s working well and what lessons can be learned and shared globally,” said Dr Read.

“The focus will be on adoption of AgTech, proven application of innovative on-farm solutions, and how a more sustainable future for our farming industries can be created.”