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the australian farmer
The assessment of the agritech ecosystem and the biggest roadblocks – including a lack of skilled workforce – is a starting point for a more efficient and productive sector. The report offers a direction for ongoing growth and stands as a resource for all players in the ecosystem – be it from the aspect of a start-up realising their issues are shared, a new angle for investors and the way they approach in- vesting in agritech, or a nudge to government and policy makers around how important agritech is for the growth of the agriculture industry. The report and its ongoing updates are import- ant to defining the landscape of the Australian agr- itech industry and the substantial impacts agritech has and will continue to have on agriculture. The Australian agriculture industry will not be able to meet its productivity ambitions without the adop- tion of innovative agritech. Following this article’s 2023 publication, the sector has advanced considerably, demonstrated through the release of the 2024 Agritech Sector Survey & Re- port, the commencement of the National Agritech Strategic Plan, and Australia’s strengthened inter- national representation as ‘Team Australia’ on the global stage. (2024 Report: https://ausagritech. org/survey-report)
and weather, inevitably aid in creating a positive environmental impact and building a clean, green, and sustainable future for the agriculture industry. The Australian Agritech Association (AusAgritech) is the peak national body for the sector, and was estab- lished to connect, promote, and advance the nation’s agritech ecosystem. As a member-led organisation, the association exists to benefit all members, includ- ing students, agritech start-ups and scale-ups, gov- ernment organisations, and corporate partners. This network of like-minded individuals and companies provides opportunities to collaborate with farmers; connect with investors, research centres and experts; and promotes accelerator and incubator programs, showcases, and publicity events. The 2023 Australian Agritech Sector Report pre- pared by AusAgritech, along with report partners AusTrade, FINDEX Australia, and AgVic, highlights the sector strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and prior- ities. The report emphasises the need for industry and ecosystem collaboration; a desire for scalable and growth-focused investment from both private and public sources; and a need for ongoing ecosystem support and advocacy. The report is based on an eco- system survey from early 2023 and looks at the agr- itech sector nationally along with an outline of the major supporters throughout the ecosystem.
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