Harnessing the benefits of new on-farm technology and ensuring Victoria is at the centre of online and digital innovation will be the focus of the first Digital Roundtable today.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional Development, Jaala Pulford will chair the roundtable discussion bringing together farmers, technology experts and industry leaders.

In the agriculture sector, new technology continues to make advances and is having a revolutionary impact on productivity and efficiency gains for our farmers and agribusiness supply chain.

The application of robotics, precision agriculture, sensors, GPS trackers and other digital technology is helping shape the future of agriculture – and today’s roundtable will provide the perfect platform to explore how industry and government can continue to collaborate and capitalise on the opportunities.

A priority for the Andrews Labor Government is identifying the opportunities and barriers to mobile and broadband connection, a key theme expected to be explored during the roundtable.

The Labor Government is continuing to back our primary producers in their application and adoption of new technology. Recently, agricultural and aspiring agribusiness entrepreneurs were given a shot in the arm thanks to a $1 million investment in Sprout X.

SproutX Pty Ltd is a joint venture between the National Farmers Federation and financial services firm Findex and is set to be a new Victorian-based Agri-tech business accelerator and national collaboration network for innovators in Australian agriculture.

The Digital Roundtable follows the Climate Change adaptation roundtable held recently. The roundtables form a pivotal part of the government’s work to leverage and further our nearly $13 billion agricultural industry.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“We want Victoria to be the centre of innovation in agriculture  and with the right investment and support, we are driving towards that goal.”

“Our producers are already adapting and using new technology on their farm at a rapid rate. We know as an industry we can do more to help our farmers use new technology to improve efficiency, precision and productivity.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis

“Victoria is Australia’s technology hub and we’re leading the country in startup and small business growth.”

“We will continue to work hard to ensure these new businesses get the support they need to grow and become more competitive.”