Understanding the drivers and barriers to the adoption of agricultural technology on South Australian farms is a key factor in the State Government's annual AgTech survey.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the 2021 AgTech survey launched today will build on the results from last year.
"The Marshall Liberal Government sees AgTech as a key to greatly enhancing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agricultural sector in our state," Minister Basham said.
"As part of our AgTech strategy, we committed to undertaking an annual survey to understand the uptake of technology by South Australian farmers.
"We want to hear from as many farmers as possible through this survey, as well as businesses involved in the AgTech supply chain.
"Our government recognises the enormous opportunities technology currently offers to make in the future to growth in this sector. We continue to put platforms in place to support the uptake of AgTech by farmers in South Australia but it is important we continually collected data and feedback.
"South Australia aims to be the national leader in AgTech through a collaborative and cohesive approach with initiatives such as an AgTech Strategic Plan, AgTech Demonstration Farms, AdvanceAg and AgTech Start-Up Hubs facilitated on the advice of the AgTech Advisory Group."
The inaugural survey contributed important information towards the state's first AgTech Strategic Plan, launched almost one year ago.
"The AgTech Strategic Plan developed from advice by the AgTech advisory group is guiding the approach to increasing AgTech adoption in South Australia," Minister Bashan said.
"Full adoption of AgTech across the industry could return up to $2.6 billion per annum to the state's economy.
"This is why the Marshall Liberal Government has invested $7.6 million over the next four years to deliver a range of initiatives to drive in AgTech adoption in South Australia."
Minister Basham said the predominant feedback from the 2020 survey was most producers still needed to see and understand the value in AgTech before investing.
"By providing this updated snapshot on where AgTech adoption is successfully occurring and what areas still need addressing, we can then use the information from the survey to further assist our primary producers to embrace and benefit from the latest in agricultural technologies," Minister Basham said.
To undertake the 2021 AgTech strategy survey, which closes 23 September visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/agtech
