Establishing test beds to allow for the practical testing of technology for use in the agricultural sector is the latest building block in the Marshall Liberal Government's $7.6 million AgTech program.
AgTech test beds will be set up on State Government owned farms to conduct rigorous, replicable testing of new technologies as part of the development process.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said expressions of interest are now open to provide technology providers and the agriculture sector the opportunity to trial new products in a working farm setting.
"These AgTech test beds are the latest addition to the government AgTech demonstration farms at Loxton, Struan, Turretfield, Minnipa and Nuriootpa, and will support proof-of-concept assessment and validation of innovative AgTech solutions with commercial potential for South Australian primary production systems," Minister Basham said.
"Commonly test beds are used in the development of technology, varying in nature from hands-on protype development to intellectual property refinement in such fields as computer software development.
"In relation to approved trials, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions will contribute time and expertise of technical and research staff; access to farm fields, paddocks and crops; and access to co-working space.
"Many farmers want to adopt new and emerging technology but the investment is a huge risk without being tested in South Australian conditions. Likewise, AgTech providers want to test their new technology in South Australian conditions and show farmers how easily adoptable it is.
"The AgTech test beds are designed to take that risk away from farmers and developers and are the next logical step at our demonstration farms.
"I heard an anecdote from a corporate company who saw technology they liked, paid a significant amount of money to import it from overseas and it failed in local conditions. We want to be able to take away some of that risk for South Australian farmers and businesses by working with them to bring in new technology and trial it on our farms.
"We are keen to see ideas come to light, be supported in development, get to market and be put into practical use by our farmers growing more food, and increasing their own profitability.
"This type of AgTech includes sensors, farm management software, imagery and smart farm equipment, but it all needs to be nurtured and supported as the project goes from idea to delivery. These test beds are another vital step in that chain."
For more information about the EOI test bed process for AgTech developers visit: https://pir.sa.gov.au/primary_industry/agtech/testbeds
