Agtech: are we doing enough to bridge the divide?

In February, AgriFutures Australia’s flagship agrifood technology and innovation event – evokeAG - came to Brisbane for the first time. Curious as ever, QFVG took the opportunity to learn first-hand about the future of this space and how we could challenge our own assumptions, uncover solutions, and support change that could transform horticulture here in Queensland. 

So, what did we learn? 

Farmers have a unique opportunity to become the power generators of the world with electrification presenting not only an opportunity to reduce costs but also generate income. However, a move to a 100% renewable farm is simply outside the realm of possibility unless government can provide the financial support to accelerate the change. 

To embrace innovation, there are four key lessons - start small, be prepared to fail, learn from your failures, and innovation must be feasible.  

Agtech is often overhyped. While hype can bring investment, the reality is farmers need results in the paddock. Farmers don’t want the shiny brochure and sales pitch, they want to work collaboratively with agtech companies, to touch and feel, and see how this technology can benefit them. But most importantly, farmers are looking to see do the numbers stack up. 

The number one pain point around agtech adoption is the lack of technical support that often comes with the equipment. If people are our biggest asset, what are we doing to attract and support those who will bridge the divide and make the technology work?  

The industry has an identity crisis. Agriculture is more than ‘farming’ and that story needs to be told far and wide. This is vital as many young people, especially city kids, can’t yet see how wide ranging the industry is and the career opportunities that abound for people of all different skillsets.  

2023 ACT Australian of the Year and founder of Goterra farming provided a resounding call for a change in narrative in agriculture that tears down divides between the city and the country, agriculture and the wider economy.  

“It can’t be a case of Australia and ag. Australia is ag.”  

Our time at evokeAG has inspired us to redouble our efforts to work alongside Queensland horticulture growers to seek solutions to difficult problems and to promote the opportunities our industry has to offer all Queenslanders.  

While there were many memorable and thought-provoking quotes, one that stood out for us was, “Let’s stop framing it as just ‘farming’ and start showing agriculture as the cutting edge, high impact sector it is.”