Professor Andrew Lowe, Director of the University of Adelaide’s Agrifood and Wine Industry Engagement Priority, has been appointed to the new Minister’s AgTech Advisory Group.
The Group has been established to provide a co-ordinated and long-term approach to the development and uptake of technology in agriculture in South Australia.
The group was selected from almost 70 nominations and will be led by independent chair, Dr Leanna Read, South Australia’s former Chief Scientist who is a renowned biotechnology expert.
The membership of the advisory group is: Andrew Grant, Oli Madgett, Karen Ross, Dougal McOmish, Tom Rayner, Professor Andrew Lowe, Penny Schulz and SA Chief Entrepreneur Jim Whalley.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said members of the advisory group bring considerable experience and expertise across the AgTech and primary industries sector.
“Each member appointed to the AgTech Advisory Group is committed to making our agricultural industries more productive, sustainable and profitable through adoption of technologies and on-farm innovation,” said Minister Whetstone.
“Technology in the primary industries sector is changing at a rapid pace and this group will assist in positioning South Australia as a leader in this space.
“The role of this group is vital to encourage greater adoption of AgTech solutions on-farm and through the value chain – helping to build on South Australia’s advantages, showcase businesses and organisations developing or using new technology, and to increase productivity and quality in our primary industries.
“Some of the key areas the Advisory Group will look at include overcoming barriers that may be preventing producers from adopting new or emerging technologies, commercialisation and focusing on a long term strategy to grow AgTech in South Australia.”
Minister Whetstone said the need to have greater collaboration on AgTech in South Australia was a key driver behind forming the advisory group.
“AgTech has been identified as a key growth area to help farmers boost agriculture to a $100 billion industry in Australia by 2030 and South Australia needs a co-ordinated approach to ensure we can contribute significantly to this target,” said Minister Whetstone.
“This Government is focused on supporting our primary industries to increase production and strengthen competitiveness on a global stage.
“I look forward to working with the advisory group to put positive policy in place to grow AgTech in South Australia.”
