AgTech fund to back Nicklin farmers
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the fund would help farmers and producers stay at the cutting edge.
Nicklin farmers and agribusinesses could benefit from a new $30 million fund designed to fast-track agricultural innovation and boost on-farm productivity across Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government has launched the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, described as Queensland’s first agricultural innovation fund.
The fund will support commercially viable technology and research aimed at helping producers improve efficiency, resilience and profitability.
The government said the fund would help develop new AgTech products and support innovative businesses working on cutting-edge technology for primary industries.
Nicklin is home to a diverse agricultural sector, including dairy producers, beef operations, horticulture and fruit growers, and is well placed to benefit from investment aimed at taking innovation from concept to paddock.
The fund will be delivered in partnership with Queensland Investment Corporation and is intended to attract additional private investment into the sector.
The Crisafulli Government has set a target to grow Queensland’s primary production sector to $30 billion by 2030.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the fund would help producers remain globally competitive.
“This fund is a game changer to help deliver the next generation of AgTech to boost productivity and profitability on the ground,” Mr Perrett said.
“We know there’s no shortage of innovation in regional Queensland - what’s needed is stronger investment and support to turn ideas into real, on-farm outcomes, and that’s exactly what this fund delivers.”
Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the fund would help farmers and producers stay at the cutting edge.
“Inventors, developers and Agtech businesses now have a farming specific fund to access to scale their ag innovations to get them into the paddock sooner,” Mr Hunt said.
“This is a significant boost to our state’s primary industries sector and the rural and regional communities like the one I represent.”
• For more information about the fund, visit www.qic.com/Sowing-the-Seeds