The Queensland Government announced that the Gatton AgTech Showcase is set to highlight the state’s latest technologies in the fields of robotics, sensor technologies, drone applications, protected cropping, and postharvest management, among others.
The event is organised by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland and Hort Innovation, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.
The demonstrations aim to provide an opportunity for a broader audience, including horticultural growers, agribusiness professionals, technology enthusiasts, consultants, researchers, and students, to directly experience the latest agricultural innovations.
While registrations have already closed for the Gatton event, the month of November promises additional chances for the general public to immerse themselves in AgTech.
Some noteworthy events to look forward to are the AusBiotech convention occurring in Brisbane from 1 to 3 November and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation AgTech breakfast scheduled at Customs House in Brisbane on Friday, 17 November, as part of National Agriculture Day.
Additionally, the AgTech and Logistics Hub plant health demonstration will take place on 23 November.
These events collectively offer a platform for individuals to explore the world of agricultural technology and its applications, the government stated.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, as well as Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner, highlighted the significance of emerging technology in the context of Queensland’s agriculture sector’s growth, particularly in an ever-evolving global market.
“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,” Furner said.
He added, “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.”
Meanwhile, Hort Innovation’s CEO, Brett Fifield, emphasised the growing importance of introducing technologies that enhance on-farm efficiencies, particularly in the horticulture sector.
“Exposure to new technologies that bring on-farm efficiencies has never been more important for the horticulture sector,” 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,” he concluded.
