"Addressing cost challenges for Australian vegetables through Field Mechanisation and Automation?"

The Australian vegetable industry faces significant challenges due to high input costs for energy, labor, chemicals, and fertilizers, which severely impact growers' profitability. Recent international research has identified industry-specific tools that growers can adapt and adopt to mitigate these challenges. However, the process of gathering information, engaging in in-depth discussions with manufacturers, importing, and testing machines is often difficult and costly. A new Australian vegetable industry project with Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Hort Innovation has partnered with GOFAR to accelerate the adoption of autonomous and mechanized field solutions for the Australian vegetable industry.

This panel discussion aims to:

• Present the Needs of Farmers: Understand the specific requirements and pain points of vegetable growers in Australia.

• Identify Sector Challenges: Highlight the key challenges facing the industry, including high input costs and barriers to technology adoption.

• Explore Technological Potential: Discuss the potential of new mechanization technologies and how they can address the identified challenges.

Join us as we delve into these critical issues, bringing together experts, growers, and technology providers to share insights and strategies for enhancing the adoption of advanced mechanization technologies in the Australian vegetable industry.