Highlights from Australian agrifood innovation.

Without pesticides the world could lose up to 50% of key food and fibre crops, devastating global supply. Through work undertaken by Dr Robert Mensah of NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), in collaboration with the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), effective biological control options for insect pests in cotton have been demonstrated and they are now seeking partners to commercialise these innovative solutions.

Aussie Wine Group has developed an innovative infield sorter, that in trials supported by Wine Australia delivered a 50% increase in operational efficiencies for winegrape growers and 97% reduction in matter other than grapes. AWG are seeking investment to scale adoption and drive exports to international markets.  

Australian grain growers are set to profit from a multi-million-dollar global investment in machine learning, led by Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC). Here we explore nine use-cases designed to boost value in the paddock.   Some already have commercial sector involvement in place but for others GRDC will seek deployment through commercial avenues using platforms like grow^AG..

With the support of AgriFutures Australia, innovative Western Australian company, ManukaLife is helping position Australia’s Manuka honey industry as a global leader. With a prosperous future ahead, opportunities exist for a range of organisations to engage with ManukaLife to either rapidly expand the establishment of plantations in Australia or to partner in developing new cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

An Australian mycopesticide innovation, developed by AgriFutures Australia and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), is an effective alternative to chemical pesticides for lesser mealworm control. AgriFutures and DAF are now seeking biotech partners to commercialise the product.

Australian Wool Innovation is reaping the rewards of its collaboration with grow^AG. as exposure generates investor and early adopter interest in smart tags for sheep.

BuggyBix, with support from AgriFutures Australia, has developed a novel insect-based pet food range – BuggyBlend – to reduce our pets’ environmental pawprint and accelerate the development of Australia’s insect protein industry. An exciting opportunity awaits for commercial partners to assist in the scaling and distribution for Australian and international markets. 

Researchers at Monash University are applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and game-design practices to reduce spray drift from agricultural pesticides, minimising the negative impact on neighbouring crops and wildlife.

Sophisticated supply chains and increased collaboration, bolstered by the launch of growAG., is helping drive ag innovation and investments for Meat & Livestock Australia. MLA Managing Director, Jason Strong shares his goals to beef up the livestock industry and why blue sky technologies and value-adding are key.

AgriFutures Australia and the University of Newcastle have developed a simple stallion fertility test device to help boost Australia’s billion-dollar thoroughbred breeding industry. They are now seeking investors and industrial partners with experience in plastic manufacturing to commercialise the solution.

The Australian Meat Processor Corporation's (AMPC) agile approach to solving industry problems is lowering barriers to new players and increasing the potential for solutions to be rapidly developed and implemented. 

How to reach $30 billion by 2030? Opportunities for the grains sector will be centred on feeding a hungry world with an increased demand for protein, as well as the strategic positioning of Australian grains into differentiated market sectors. GRDC is investing in RD&E that delivers impact on farm and supports the sector to better understand, grow and access these targets.