A study tour to be held in California this month will give Aussie vegetable growers insight into global innovations and emerging technology to support more efficient, productive and cost-effective systems.
The International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA USA 2024) US Grower Study Tour will expose Australian growers to cutting-edge technological solutions and provide opportunities to connect with global leaders in the agriculture industry.
The tour will provide an opportunity to discuss the automation and mechanisation needs of the Australian vegetable industry and raise its profile as a market for these technologies.
Sixteen Australian growers, including Bundaberg’s own AustChilli Group, the Queensland Government, and Hort Innovation will attend the conference as part of a new $4.1M initiative to boost the adoption of AgTech in the Australian vegetable industry.
Ian Layden, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Director Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains said Australian vegetable growers have a strong interest in learning about the latest advancements in AgTech and identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.
“The tour will offer more than 35 in-field technology demonstrations and solutions for speciality crops.
“There will be farm visits, networking opportunities with growers from around the world, and insights into the future of agricultural innovation.
“The ability to see a range of technologies working in the field will be a highlight and provide an opportunity for growers to directly engage with technology manufacturers.
“These opportunities will assist in identifying technologies applicable to Australian vegetable systems.“
David De Paoli, founding director of AustChilli Group, who is attending the US Grower Study Tour said he was looking forward to focusing on the technology options that are not currently commercially available in Australia, so he could be more globally competitive.
“I’m looking for robotics, automations and systems that can be used across my business: on farm and in the packhouse, factory or business operations, to assist in providing quality product in a cost-effective way,“ he said.
“Australia is an expensive country to do business, so it’s difficult to grow our export market and compete with countries with less red tape and cheaper costs. Therefore, support from government and industry bodies to help us benchmark against our international competitors is extremely welcome.”
Brett Fifield from Hort Innovation said opportunities like this vegetable-levy and Australian Government-funded study tour were essential for keeping Aussie growers at the front of global production advancements.
“A prosperous and sustainable horticulture industry built on innovation is absolutely critical. As a result, through Hort Innovation, we provide various opportunities for growers to be exposed to technology, be involved in trials and bring us their ideas, it’s a really exciting time.”
