The Queensland Government, in collaboration with representatives from the agricultural industry and entrepreneurs, has unveiled the finalised AgTech Roadmap.
This roadmap is poised to position Queensland as a prominent player in cutting-edge agricultural technology, charting a course for innovation and advancement in the sector, the government said in a media release.
In the 2022/23 fiscal year, Queensland’s food, fibre, and foliage industries achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing a gross value of production exceeding $24 billion.
This achievement underscores the state’s commitment to embracing technological advancements to address various challenges, including biosecurity risks, labour shortages, and the optimisation of supply chains.
According to the government, the AgTech Roadmap, a product of close collaboration between the Queensland Government and key AgTech and industry leaders, serves as a comprehensive guide.
It is designed to facilitate the early adoption of cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to elevate the value of Queensland’s agricultural produce even further.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner officially unveiled the Queensland AgTech Roadmap.
According to him, Queensland’s existing global reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable, and great-tasting food will be further enhanced by the recently unveiled roadmap.
“Our food, fibre and foliage industries are at a historic peak when it comes to the value of what they produce, but we also know there are ongoing challenges such as climate change, labour supply, high input costs and increasing expectations from consumers around the globe,” Furner noted.
He added, “Agtech is a critical piece of the puzzle to ensure we have a sustainable, trusted and productive food and agribusiness sector.”
Meanwhile, Julia Spicer, Queensland’s chief entrepreneur and AgTech Advisory Group chair, echoed the sentiment that Queensland’s agricultural products and regional industries remain among the best globally.
“Queensland’s agricultural products and regional industries remain the best in the world, and their innovations are launching AgTech founders onto the global stage,” she stated.
For those interested in exploring the details of the AgTech Roadmap, the document is accessible here.
