Five local growers recently embarked on an exciting journey to Evoke Ag 2025 as part of the Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) Study Tour.
The initiative, funded through the VegNET program, provided growers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting-edge agricultural innovations, network with industry leaders, and explore emerging technologies set to shape the future of farming.
Growers and BFVG staff attended the full two-day Evoke Ag event, which showcased the latest advancements in agribusiness, sustainability, and agricultural technology.
With a packed agenda featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, the event offered invaluable insights into industry trends and best practices.
It was a warming moment for all involved to witness the unveiling of the Liz Alexander bursary to support growers attend future Evoke Ag events.
Liz was instrumental in driving AgTech growth and was a familiar name and face in Bundaberg’s AgTech ecosystem.
The study tour also included additional activities to enhance learning and broaden perspectives. One highlight was a tour of the Brisbane Produce Markets at Rocklea, where growers gained first-hand insight into the supply chain processes that bring fresh produce from farm to consumer and got to meet with their market agents and see how their produce is being displayed at the Markets for purchase.
Another sideline event was the “From Tech to Table: Advancing Horticulture Production through Innovation” held by Food & Agribusiness Network.
This activity was hosted on farm at Perfection Fresh, who are a leading producer known for their commitment to quality and innovation.
The tour allowed the growers to witness production techniques and explore strategies for enhancing productivity and sustainability on their own farms.
Seeing first hand how a successful operation integrates technology and sustainable practices provided inspiration for potential improvements in their own businesses.
A visit to the Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) robotics lab was another highlight of the trip.
The growers were introduced to cutting-edge agricultural robotics research, including automated harvesting systems and AI-driven farm management solutions. Seeing these innovations sparked discussions on how technology can address labour shortages and improve efficiencies.
The three-day experience was a resounding success, with an abundance of knowledge shared and valuable connections established.
The growers returned home with fresh insights, innovative ideas, and a renewed enthusiasm for implementing new practices on their farms.
If you would like to know more about the VegNET program or would like to be involved in future activities, reach out to BFVG’s Regional Development Officer, Jessy Logan at vegnet@bfvg.com.au
