Hundreds of innovations to help Australian farmers improve the sustainability and sophistication of their food production business will be showcased during the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture Australia event.
More than 2,000 visitors are expected from across Australia and the Asia Pacific for the two-day exhibition and conference taking place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 27 – 28.
GFIA In Focus, sales director, David Stradling, said the event supports the Australian Government’s ambition to make agriculture a $100 billion industry by 2030.
“There are some incredibly innovative technologies and practices out there, and GFIA are excited to host what’s going to be an inspiring and highly informative event for attendees,” Mr Stradling said.
He said the event provides a rare opportunity for guests to learn from food producers, policy makers and investors about the latest innovations and technologies for smart food production.
“The event will also deliver an unrivalled opportunity for exhibitors to meet thousands of potential buyers of sustainable agriculture technology,” he said.
To make navigation of the event as easy as possible for visiting buyers, GFIA in Focus Australia is hosting two adjacent exhibitions:
- Precision agriculture and smart farming
- Controlled environments and protected cropping
Precision agriculture and smart farming
Mr Stradling said the ‘Precision agriculture and smart farming’ exhibition will cover data analytics and modelling, harvesting and irrigation equipment, seeding and planting equipment, and GPS systems.
“GFIA will present the latest innovations and technologies for smart food production in the precision agriculture sector including systems that can revolutionise various aspects of farm operations such as data analytics and modelling, fertiliser applications, harvesting, irrigation, seeding, planting and spraying equipment, GPS systems, robotics and smartphone apps.
“The breadth of available precision agriculture applications is huge, and the digitalisation of agriculture means that farmers and growers will over time be better able to increase production and yields, with fewer inputs and labour costs.”
Keynote speakers include:
- Caile Ditterich, CEO of AgriChain – Transparent, flexible and traceable supply chains using Blockchain technology
- Oli Madgett, co-founder of Platfarm – Precision ag using everyday consumer smart devices
- Mark Tobin, general manager of DataMuster – Data driven profit for a sustainable Northern beef industry
They’ll be joined by some of Australia’s leading food producers and growers, including:
- Russell Cavill, CEO at Lawson Grains Pty Ltd – Perspective on precision agriculture tools that are most useful to them, how they’re integrating them into their operations, and what future solutions they’d like to see
- Mark Branson, general manager of Branson Farms –Discussing 21 years of precision agriculture on Branson Farms: successes, failures, economics, and lessons learnt
Controlled environments and protected cropping
Mr Stradling said ‘Controlled environments and protected cropping’ exhibitors will promote the latest greenhouses, system integrators, control systems and hydroponic, aquaponic and aeroponic systems.
“GFIA will present how safe, sustainable protected cropping in the form of vertical farming, hydroponics and speed breeding could well be the way of the future.
“With protected-crop growers at the forefront of highly sustainable, efficient and innovative food production processes, protected cropping will increasingly help to secure a profitable and more sustainable future for Australian agriculture.”
Keynote speakers include:
- John Leslie, executive director of Vertical Farming Systems –Automating vertical farms for financial viability
- Dr Eric Dinglasan, post-doctoral Researcher, QAAFI – Speed breeding to supercharge our future crops
“John and Eric will join a host of guest speakers discussing everything from vertical farms and greenhouses to hydroponic and aquaponic systems.”
AgKnowledge the Future summit
Mr Stradling said the inaugural ‘AgKnowledge the Future’ summit will be launched on the first day of the event as a platform designed to showcase agriculture industry related education, research, innovation and career development.
“The summit represents an opportunity for industry innovators to get support for their ideas, and to showcase to the next generation some of the exciting prospects that lie in store for the Australian agricultural industry.
“Over 1000 students are expected to attend this brand-new event, and on-site tertiary education suppliers will be engaging students on courses and opportunities available in agriculture.
“The initiative provides an environment where students and teachers, lecturers and research staff from high schools and universities can get together to learn, observe and collaborate.”
Mr Stradling said the AgKnowledge The Future Summit will also incorporate a trade show area, which will be structured to meet the needs of partner organisations and startup companies /entrepreneurs in the agri-tech sector seeking capital investment and marketing, business development and mentoring.
Future Farming and Food workshop
Also taking place on day one is the ‘Future Farming and Food’ workshop, which will be free for all GFIA visitors to attend. Mr Stradling said the workshop will be located in the ‘Controlled environments and protected cropping’ theatre.
He said the workshop will be facilitated by Pete Lewis, agricultural communication specialist and former ABC Landline producer.
Topics include:
- Investing in the future of farming and food
- Harnessing the genetic biodiversity of Australia’s plants
- Consumer drivers for new Australia food products
- Transformational farming and food.
The workshop will be hosted by QAAFI.
Mr Stradling said the GFIA are giving away 2000 free tickets for the event.
“We only have a small number of tickets left now, so we’re encouraging farmers and agribusinesses not to miss out on the chance to attend this unique mix of exhibitions, conferences, innovation sessions and educational workshops.”
To register your place at the GFIA In Focus Australia event, and for further information regarding the exhibitions, AgKnowledge the Future and the Future Farming and Food workshop, or any other enquiries please visit the website.
