Australia emerges as a leading innovator for Agriculture 4.0

Australia’s long and distinguished history in agricultural research is cementing its position as a global hub for agriculture and food technology.

Driven by a variety of climates and ecosystems, a stable and favourable business environment, and connectivity with the rapidly growing markets of Asia, Australia is capitalising on these advantages to become a centre for agtech and foodtech innovation.

Australia for Agriculture 4.0, a new initiative by Austrade, the nation’s trade and investment promotion agency, is seeking investment to support export growth and boost innovation. It will showcase Australia’s agtech and foodtech capability, and highlight its unique technological advances, research excellence, strong record of innovation expertise, as well as the nation’s strong government support and established export channels.

Austrade has developed a new digital platform (www.austrade.gov.au/agriculture40), launching today at evokeAG. This will showcase capabilities and insights from the Australian agtech and foodtech sector, and connect investors, exporters and research partners to Australia’s government, private sector and academic leaders and stakeholders in the field.

powerhouse in agrifood tech and we want to help the sector reach its full potential,” said Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham.

“Our farmers are some of the most innovative in the world but we’re behind the pack when it comes to commercialising our food and farming technologies. This initiative is about connecting investors with Australian farmers and AgTech start-ups as well as creating more collaborative research and development opportunities.”

Australia’s government invests more than A$600 million a year in agricultural research and development, and supports a National Farmers’ Federation initiative to grow Australian agriculture to a A$100 billion industry by 2030.

“Australian farmers and food producers are recognised globally for their innovation, using technology to drive consistent productivity growth, develop better quality products and build globally competitive businesses. Despite facing some of the harshest environmental and climate conditions on the planet, they have made the country a top five producer of barley, oats, chickpeas, almonds, beef, sheep and wool,” said Karen Caston, Senior Investment Specialist, Agribusiness and Food, at Austrade.

“Australian agricultural and food producers are also quick to harness cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-quality, traceable raw materials and products to export markets.

Our agtech and foodtech solutions are turning heads around the world, and we are seeing increasing interest from UK investors and research partners who see Australia as a testing ground or regional base for further development and entrepreneurship.”

Global leaders in agtech and foodtech, such as Cisco and Bosch, are choosing Australia as a base to expand their innovation work.

Cisco has invested in Australian agtech by establishing innovation centres in Perth and Sydney, two of only ten centres of innovation in Cisco’s global network. Leveraging the country’s strong agriculture industry, Cisco Australia is currently trialling a new innovation in agtech.

The Farm Decision Platform is being trialled in New South Wales and Victoria to provide farmers with real-time data across their properties. The platform provides on-farm, secure connectivity over long distances and supports any third-party application/sensor. Industry partners can host their applications and sensors on the platform. Cisco’s aim is to take this solution globally together with its agtech partners.

Visit www.austrade.gov.au/agriculture40 for more information on Australia’s agtech and foodtech sector and discover how we can help you and your business connect with Australia.