Robots to boost veggie growers’ tech in Australia

The Australian vegetable industry wants to reduce the industry’s high input costs and labour challenges that affect grower profitability. – Photo: Hort Innovation

Australian vegetable growers are set to gain a competitive edge with exclusive trials of global machinery under a new program. The $4.1M initiative will boost the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry, reducing the industry’s high input costs and labour challenges that affect grower profitability.

The program will be delivered by Hort Innovation and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in partnership with the Global Organisation for Agricultural Robotics (GOFAR) which leads the International Forum of Agricultural Robotics (FIRA).

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said employing the latest technology was essential in keeping the Australian horticulture sector competitive. “Hort Innovation plays a role in leading world-class innovation for the horticulture sector, to ensure Australian growers are able to remain globally competitive,” Mr Fifield said. “This grower-focused program will bring global innovations directly into the hands of veggie growers, so that they can play an active role in trialling the technology and communicating its potential benefits.”

Machinery solutions

DAF Director of Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains Ian Layden said the ultimate goal of the program was to assist growers and the broader industry to adopt field technologies that would make a difference to input costs. “Through this program and the collaboration with the Global Organisation for Agricultural Robotics (GOFAR) we are keen to see more growers actively seeking automated and mechanised machinery solutions,” Mr Layden said.

“Support for growers to integrate new machinery into their field operations is critical, therefore growers and technology providers will be assisted by project partner Farm Concepts, who will play an important role in implementation. “After the success of the Gatton Smart Farm AgTech Showcase in November 2023, we are already supporting Australian-first robotics trials in the Lockyer Valley and this new investment and partnership will continue the vital research and engagement we have with vegetable growers and the global technology community.”