Agricultural robots company SwarmFarm has received a Rural Economic Development (RED) Grant from the Queensland Government to expand their business and create job growth in regional areas.
SwarmFarm, which has moved to full production of robotic agricultural equipment after several years of research, development and product prototyping, will use the $250,000 grant to construct a purpose-built office facility at Gindie in Central Queensland.
The company’s Chief Financial Officer Jocie Bate said staff needed dedicated space and equipment to support state of the art communication and information technology infrastructure.
“Showcasing agriculture, agtech and serving as an inspiration for future industry participants is vitally important to both the farming community and the nation and a core component of the SwarmFarm values,” Ms Bate continued.
“SwarmFarm is all about autonomous application of precision agriculture increasing yields while reducing chemical use, energy consumption and environmental impact. Most importantly, SwarmFarm’s technology allows farmers to implement a step change that removes constraints and delivers fundamentally superior farming businesses.
“The robots will have direct benefit to primary production in terms of delivering new farming practices that lead to higher efficiencies, increased yields and better environmental stewardship.”
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the funding will help create 15 full-time jobs in Central Queensland.
“SwarmFarm, one of the world’s leading agricultural robotics companies, is positioned as the conduit for delivery of agtech to farming customers, helping them reduce chemical use, energy consumption and environmental impact,” Mr Furner said.
“With a $250,000 grant, an estimated 15 full-time jobs will be created during the implementation phase of the project, particularly trades such as builders, carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians and tilers.”
