1 Minute read
Advances in digital and engineering technologies are increasingly important for maintaining a competitive agriculture industry. Ag-tech promises to reduce input costs, increase product quality, make connections across supply chains, account for environmental services, detect disease and pests more quickly, and much more.
Australia has the opportunity for a strong home-grown ag-tech sector that exports solutions overseas and create new jobs in rural areas. While there is great promise in ag-tech, the reality is there’s a long-way to go for Australian ag-tech to reach its potential.
Watch a panel session discussing the role of universities in supporting ag-tech innovation and contribute to growing the Australian ag-tech sector. Universities are a powerhouse of new ideas and technologies, but it isn’t clear how these ideas are translated into practice in the agriculture sector. Similarly, farmers and growers are often unable to justify the time and cost to engage in early-stage technologies emerging from research. The panel will explore what does and does not work, and what might be needed for universities to contribute to growing an Australian Ag-tech industry.
Panelists
Greg Harper
Lead, NorVicFoods
Rebecca Wells
Inaugural CEO, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre
Peter Moller
Business Development Manager, Rubicon Water
Dr Margaret Ayre
Rural Innovation Research Group, the University of Melbourne
Professor Mike Stewardson
Program Lead, Water, Agriculture and Environment, the University of Melbourne (Chair)
First published on 27 April 2023.
Share this article
Keep reading about Melbourne Climate Hub
-
Our Climate Capability
From water management and clean energy production, to how we build truly sustainable cities, explore the critical role our experts are playing in Australia’s response to the global climate challenge.
-
Climate Collaboration
Climate change is a collective concern impacting all facets of our economy, society and environment. Find out how we’re partnering with industry, government and community – both locally and internationally – to solve these pressing challenges together.
-
Big Climate Ideas
Real change needs original thought. From Indigenous land management to clean transport and preserving our biodiversity, these are some of the bold ideas our experts are pursuing to make sure we stay ahead of the next climate challenge.
-
Melbourne Climate Futures
Melbourne Climate Futures builds on decades of research across areas such as climate change impacts in the Pacific, energy futures, bushfire resilience, and sustainable cities, as well as innovative approaches to policy and law.