Analysing genomic data with the MinION device

EIGHTEEN agtech events being staged across regional Australia over the next nine months will receive funding support as part of a $12.3 million Australian Government investment in agricultural trade events that seek to promote innovation and technology adoption in the sector.

Round Three of the AgriFutures Agritech Events Sponsorship Program has allocated $600,000 to events that promote agricultural innovation in regional communities and connect developers with investors, as well as those looking to forge a career in the sector.

These events include:

• Grazing for Growth – November 2024 & February-March 2025 in Albany, Koojinup and Geraldton, WA, Roma, Emerald and Longreach, QLD and Orange, NSW. An opportunity for land management specialists to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences on forage practices and data to deliver better productivity and sustainability outcomes.
• SoilTech – 3-4 April 2025 in Armidale, NSW. A two-day, hands-on event will provide a practical demonstration of how to unlock the value of soil for agriculture. Technology will include mid-infrared spectroscopy and in-soil sensors that aid soil sampling and carbon measurement.
• AGTECH24 – 20-21 November 2024 in Emerald, QLD. An agtech event showcasing farming innovations and technology to overcome the challenges facing agriculture in Central Queensland. The event provides producers with an opportunity to meet like-minded people, find an agtech solution for their business or discover what’s new in ag innovation.
• Foodtech Tasmania – Investor and Demo Days: 7 & 14 November 2024 in Launceston, TAS (+ virtual)
• Grounded Australia: 4-5 December 2024 at Fat Pig Farm in TAS
• Millenia of Ag-Innovation: 12-13 February 2025 in Cairns, QLD
• Central Queensland Agtech Innovation Showcase: 14-16 February 2025 in Emerald and Rockhampton, QLD
• VIC Pollinate: 5-6 March 2025 in Fleurieu Coast, SA
• Regional Ventures Tour: 28-30 March 2025 in south-west WA
• AgTech Solutions for Future Farming: 2-3 April 2025 in Armidale, NSW
• SwarmFarm Robotics Manufacturing Facility Lauch & Field Demos: November-December 2024 for facility launch, early 2025 field demonstrations in Toowoomba, QLD
• Queensland Rural Agriculture STEM Project: May 2025 in Emerald, QLD
• Grown Not Flown ‘Summer Camp’: 7-8 June 2025 in Glenmore, VIC

Supported by the Government’s Support Regional Trade Events Measure, the AgriFutures Agritech Event Sponsorship Program serves as a financial boost for regional agricultural events to showcase agricultural innovation and trade opportunities.

Assistant agriculture minister Anthony Chisholm said the ag sector relied on these networking events and showcases to maintain momentum in agricultural innovation.

“By connecting agritech developers with investors and producers, we’ll continue to build a more innovative agritech sector that drives adoption and propels the industry forward.”

The latest funding round is additional to $900,000 provided earlier to events across Australia through previous rounds. This includes today’s Agtech Showcase in Bundaberg, which has brought together some of the industry’s best to address the challenges farmers are facing in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

“A strong Australian ag sector means a strong Australian economy, so we need to be doing all we can to help our producers connect, innovate and profit, so our country can be the richer for it,” Mr Chisholm said.

Source: Federal Govt.