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Cameron Magusic
Cameron Magusic summarises the fortnight's agriculture news from around Australia
20/4/21
A new online platform will connect Australian farmers, businesses and researchers with global investment and commercialisation opportunities.
Launched by the federal department of agriculture, water and the environment and Australia’s 15 research and development corporations, growAG.com provides partnership opportunities and allows farmers to see how their levy-funded research projects are going, according to a media release.
Agriculture minister David Littleproud said, “I’m very excited about the opportunities this platform offers to help ensure farmers have access to the latest technologies.
“A world class agricultural innovation system is an Australian Government priority and a key pillar in support of the industry’s target for a $100 billion sector by 2030.”
GrowAG was built on the back of success at Asia-Pacific agrifood tech event evokeAG, a digital network that features news, case studies, videos, podcasts and a startup directory.
The federal government has announced the recipients of its $5 billion Future Drought Fund
The fund is designed to provide the investment to build Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, which Littleproud said “will play a critical role in helping farmers and agricultural communities to be better prepared” for drought according to a statement.
One hub will be built at the University of Tasmania’s Hobart campus, with regional ‘nodes’ around the state.
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) director Michael Rose said, ““The potential for drought presents both significant opportunities and challenges for the agricultural sector in Tasmania.
“Better adaptation to more frequent droughts and the development of resilience is extremely important for our industry and one of our major research focuses at TIA.”
Another drought hub will be built for farmers and communities throughout northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.
This hub is being based at the University of Southern Queensland, Groom MP Garth Hamilton said in a statement, with nodes in Longreach, Roma, Lismore, Narrabri and Stanthorpe.
A third drought hub will launch in Darwin at Charles Darwin University (CDU), supported by nodes in Katherine, Alice Springs and Perth.
CDU vice-chancellor Scott Bowman said the Darwin hub “will empower primary producers with the practical tools and information they need during future dry conditions to maintain productivity, remain competitive and increase community resilience to drought impacts.”
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