New AgTech Hub launched for Queensland farmers
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Queensland farmers will now be able to explore the latest innovations in agricultural technology with the new Bundaberg AgTech Hub.
The Bundaberg Regional Council’s AgTech Hub was launched yesterday at Bargara by Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner.
“The adoption of AgTech by producers is key to the future profitability and sustainability of Queensland’s agricultural supply chain,” Minister Furner said.
“The regional AgTech Hub will strengthen the state’s $18.5 billion agricultural sector and align with the Queensland Government’s commitment to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions across industries.”
With agriculture being a critical part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan, investments such as the AgTech Hub will help strengthen the plan.
Agribusinesses within the Bundaberg region will now have access to emerging technology and services at the early stages of the AgTech Hub’s commercial release.
“CQUniversity is using the hub as a base to attract tech companies to the region and trial cutting edge agricultural technologies, including advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and traceability systems with producers and their supply chain partners,” Minister Furner said.
Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey said the region was home to uniquely diverse agricultural production, lending the area to the development of AgTech across multiple fronts.
“There is so much opportunity in agriculture for data collection and precision farming going forward that it could open up a whole new world,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for our local producers and the wider industry and we want to be driving it.”
In recognition of developing the agriculture sector, Bundaberg Regional Council re-purposed its former administration building to provide a nexus for a nationally and globally significant regional Agtech ecosystem.
“Bundaberg Regional Council is appreciative of the support we have received from all levels of government for this AgTech facility including the CQUniversity’s Hinkler AgTech initiative,” Mayor Dempsey said.
Minister Furner congratulated Bundaberg Regional Council on the Bundaberg AgTech Hub, which received seed funding and support from the state government.
“The future is looking bright, with the state’s AgTech sector ready to respond and support agribusiness to address their challenges and embrace new opportunities,” Minister Furner said.
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
