AgTech Field Days

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will the minister update the chamber about the recent AgTech field days that have occurred throughout April and May?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:07): I thank the member for this question. The PIRSA AgTech field days commenced on 28 April 2021 at the Struan best practice demonstration farm. The field trips enable producers to connect directly with developers and entrepreneurs and are a way to provide advice to developers to better understand primary producers' needs and their operating environment in real-time, as well, of course, as the challenges and opportunities to help streamline and improve their operations.

The two field days recently held at the Struan best practice demonstration farm on 28 April and in Nuriootpa on 10 May were attended by primary producers, technology providers and industry representatives, and the key topic of discussion across both field days was the value and benefits technology use on farm can provide to primary producers. That includes in terms of reduced labour inputs, a reduction in costs, increases in productivity, risk reduction and, of course, peace of mind.

In total, the five field days have attracted 370 primary producers, technology providers and industry representatives, and I thank the AgTech division of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions for their work in organising these events alongside their dedication to connecting and resourcing our primary producers in their on-farm practices.

The AgTech field days and the continued work through the AgTech Solutions Program is one of the many ways of continued support to our primary producers in making agriculture in South Australia more productive, profitable and sustainable, and I look forward to the future events planned through our regions from the program.