Prime Minister Albanese has been sworn in and looks set to be joined by many new independents. Now technology conversations have focused on the road ahead. Headwinds have grown stronger in the tech industry on many fronts during the past month, but the challenges are tied to opportunities for organisations in every industry. And the ability to succeed consistently returns to one idea – it’s not about the tech, it’s the people behind it.

The South Australian AgTech conference is concentrating on showcasing affordable technology solutions farmers can adopt in 2021.

A piece of AgTech being demonstrated at the Loxton smart farm launch in 2020. Self-driving vehicles and micro-drones that sow, spray and harvest crops are set to be among a wide range of cutting-edge agricultural technology on show at AdvanceAg 2021. Dr Leanna Read, the independent chair of the South Australian Government’s AgTech Advisory Group, said organisers anticipate this year’s July 23 event to build on last year’s success.

A series of demonstration farms to fast track new technologies aimed at boosting the state’s agriculture sector are gaining momentum.

The South Australian Government has committed to making PIRSA Research Farms available to South Australian primary producers to showcase the opportunities available through AgTech.

The farms will also give the startups and AgTech innovators the chance to trial hi-tech products in a controlled environment ahead of commercialisation.

Australia’s agricultural industry is undergoing an evolution. As a key powerhouse driving economic growth in the country, agribusiness forms one of our fastest-growing sectors and one of the largest employers in regional Australia.

The industry aims to grow from $60 billion to $100 billion by 2030. So, how do we get there? Answering this question formed the central theme of “Agribusiness: Australia’s Powerhouse”, a series of events hosted by BDO and the Australian British Chamber of Commerce over the last couple of months in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

Across the four events, a number of topics were consistently raised regarding how we reach this $100 billion target. BDO’s agribusiness experts have prepared the following report, deep-diving into four of the key issues covered at the events.