Robot tractors, an army of drones and virtual reality farm simulations can be expected to explode into the Adelaide Showground for the inaugural AdvanceAg AgTech showcase aimed at jolting our farms to the next evolution of on-farm technology.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said AdvanceAg will officially launch the Government's AgTech agenda to transform our agricultural industries through accelerated adoption of cutting-edge technology.
The 24 February 2020 event will be headlined by Israeli start-up funder and Terra Venture Partners' founder Dr Astorre Modena. Terra Venture Partners is an Israeli venture capital fund focused on improving the quality of life for people through clean technology, efficiency and sustainability.
"One of the biggest opportunities for South Australian farmers is the adoption of technology and we want AdvanceAg to be an event that provides access to the latest thinking in on-farm innovation and efficiency," said Minister Whetstone.
"This event is an opportunity to hear and share ideas on cutting-edge technology and ways our industries can encourage greater adoption on-farm. We've secured a highly experienced international speaker as a result of contacts made during my study tour to Israel earlier in the year.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is focused on boosting the state's economy through the Growth State Agenda and AgTech is an important contributor to that growth.
"Adoption of AgTech will make our agricultural industries more productive, sustainable and profitable through realising the benefits of new technologies and on-farm innovation, and I want South Australia to be a world leader in the adoption and commercialisation of AgTech.
"The State Government has appointed an AgTech Advisory Group and we are showcasing AgTech at two of our research farms in the South East. Recognising many of our producers are facing drought, entry to AdvanceAg will be made affordable for farmers and their families."
Dr Leanna Read, independent chair of the Minister's AgTech Advisory Group, is excited about the potential for the event to encourage producers to experiment with new tech.
"AdvanceAg is an opportunity to explore what's working well and what lessons can be learned and shared globally," said Dr Read.
"The focus will be on adoption of AgTech, proven application of innovative on-farm solutions, and how a more sustainable future for our farming industries can be created."
To register your interest and to be kept updated on the event, please visit pir.sa.gov.au/advance-ag
The AdvanceAg program will showcase AgTech available for adoption through to the future of farming. Sessions will explore how technology is driving productivity through real-time decision making, precision agriculture and automation, the opportunities that exist to enhance traceability and transparency, and the future of farming in a digital world.
