Driving effective partnerships and collaborations are core to the way we do business at AgriFutures Australia. In Issue 14 of AGenda, we look at various programs from around the business that demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration and enable us to deliver on our vision of growing the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries.
From our Horizon Scholarship Program, to the first national industrial hemp variety trial, to AgriFutures growAG. commercial opportunities success, we showcase how bringing together different skills and knowledge can achieve a greater outcome for all involved.
And for those looking to join us at evokeAG. Down to Earth at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 21-22 February 2023, early bird tickets are closing Thursday, 4 August. Don’t miss out!
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Fast tracking the future of the thoroughbred breeders
The Fast Track program, run by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and supported by AgriFutures Australia, sees industry, government and the tertiary education sector collaborating to build the workforce in the thoroughbred industry.
The program connects participants with a 12-month traineeship on a stud farm, mixing on-the-job training with formal study to accelerate the flow of new talent to the breeding industry.
Automation and enhanced nutritional strategies are the secret to Aquatic AI’s superior marron production system, brought to life with support from AgriFutures Australia and the University of Western Australia. Aquatic AI is now seeking investment to scale its modular design and capture high value export markets.
Horizon is limitless for new scholars
To support the next generation of Australia’s rural leaders, collaboration is essential and it's at the heart of the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program. Learn about the program through the lens of Caitlin Morgan and Jess Curran, two scholars from the 2022 cohort, sponsored by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
National trials to accelerate hemp industry growth
A nationally coordinated industrial hemp variety trial is underway, aiming to provide clarity on optimal varieties for Australian conditions and give growers the best chance of success. Established across different climatic zones, the trials will answer the two big questions posed by growers, ‘what industrial hemp varieties should I plant in my region?’ and ‘when is the best time to plant in my area?’.
Building logistics resilience in rural industries
From the COVID-19 pandemic to the war in Ukraine, there are many global events which are disrupting supply chain logistics across rural industries. To assist the industry response, AgriFutures has engaged KPMG to analyse logistics disruption and market impacts with the aim of bolstering industry resilience during challenging times – a timely resource to support strategic decision making.
Producer groups and high schools embrace agtech adoption
AgriFutures Australia has announced Round 3 of its Producer Technology Uptake Program (PTUP). For the first time, agricultural high schools are among the list of producer networks set to receive funding for projects aimed at overcoming barriers to agtech adoption. The national program is in its second year and is driving peer-to-peer learning on a local level to trial agtech solutions.
Since launching in April 2021, the growAG. platform has helped showcase Australia's agrifood innovation. One of the businesses to take advantage of the platform is Toowoomba-based, DataFarming (Australia). Learn about their experience with the growAG. platform and hear Managing Director Tim Neale's insights into collaboration within the agtech industry.
Winners of the inaugural Bee Tech Challenge announced
“With a significant proportion of our industry still reeling from the damaging Black Summer Bushfires and recent flooding events across the Eastern sea-board, initiatives such as the Bee Tech Challenge allow us to identify innovative ways of safeguarding our businesses” - Danny Le Feuvre, Acting CEO of AHBIC and commercial beekeeper.
If we want effective innovation, it’s time for us to get back in the paddock
"When I walk onto a rice farm and see the new irrigation system in action or how the new varieties are performing up close – it’s a type of understanding and a real connection that just can’t be explained or simulated online, no matter how many Zoom meetings and webinars you attend working from home" - John Harvey, Managing Director, AgriFutures Australia.
Tickets on sale: AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner
“We understand the crucial role we play to support emerging female leaders so they can turn projects and businesses into opportunities that benefit rural industries and communities” - Stephen Hannan, National General Manager Agribusiness, Westpac.