The latest information on new technologies to assist primary producers in overcoming challenges, including climate adaptation, is now available through a series of informative videos.
Videos available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) website feature case studies of projects funded under the state government’s AgTech Growth Fund.
The fund was designed to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative agricultural technologies in South Australia’s agricultural sector through grants of up to $100,000 to projects that addressed a specific industry challenge including: improving drought resilience and climate adaptation for primary producers; improving carbon management, sustainability credentials or natural capital on farm; and improving market access and maximise value for primary producers through traceability.
Featured technologies include:
• Airborne Logic – implementing technology and reporting systems for winegrape growers to share carbon stock data through the industry’s sustainability program
• Althena IR Tech – further development of an irrigation scheduling system
• Cropify – using AI to improve the accuracy and efficiency of grain grading, specifically pulses.
• Datahash – adding a consumer engagement capability to verify dairy industry retail compliance data.
• Eldridge Fresh Organics – development of an AI system to integrate greenhouse monitoring of temperature, water control and carbon emission reporting to inform future tech upgrades.
• Flux Robotics – a mechanical weeding system initially for the horticultural sector before being scaled up for broadacre production.
• McLaren Vale Wine Grape and Tourism Association – creating high-resolution digital vineyard maps of the McLaren Vale wine region.
• Ripen Tech – producing and installing ‘load cells’ in a vineyard demonstration site to enable the continuous log of berry weight between environmental factors.
• Woven Optics – trialling a new version of their optical, hand-held testing device for wool producers to know fleece quality in real-time.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the AgTech initiatives under this program highlighted why South Australian primary producers have a well-founded reputation for being some of the most innovative and resourceful in the world.
“I encourage primary producers to check out these videos and learn more about the
latest AgTech solutions,” she said.
“It is estimated that the return on realising the potential of AgTech is around $2.6 billion a year in agriculture gross value of production in South Australia through the delivery of technology driven efficiencies.
“It also provides the benefit of managing our scarce resources at a time when climate challenges increasingly impact on our primary industries.”
For more information about the videos and associated AgTech Growth Fund projects visit pir.sa.gov.au/agtech-growth-fund
