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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-02-22 Daily Xml
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Primary Industries Sector

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (16:20): I move:

That this council—

1. Notes that primary industries are early adopters of innovation and technology;

2. Applauds industry-led and progressed initiatives for research, development and extension; and

3. Calls on all governments to ensure that South Australia strives for future investment and growth within the industry by ensuring sufficient resourcing and ongoing focus on the South Australian Research and Development Institute.

Primary industries, encompassing agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture, have proven to be early adopters of innovation of technology and are driving advancements that reshape the landscape of these sectors. Embracing cutting-edge technologies has become imperative for these industries as they strive to enhance productivity, sustainability and efficiency.

In agriculture, precision farming techniques, such as GPS-guided tractors and drones, have revolutionised crop management, optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact. Advance sensors and data analytics enable farmers to make informed decisions from crop monitoring to irrigation control. Similarly, in forestry, automated machinery and satellite-based monitoring systems have streamlined logging operations, ensuring sustainable forestry practices.

The fishing industry benefits from innovations like sonar technology and GPS tracking, aiding in efficient fish location and catch optimisation whilst minimising bycatch. This is a win for fishers as much as it is for environmental monitors. These primary industries showcase a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological progress, not only for the economic reasons but also to address global challenges like food security and environmental sustainability. By encompassing innovation primary industries set a precedent for other sectors, illustrating the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of global economies and logistics systems.

I would like to highlight just one incredible emerging technology, which I have no doubt will be swept up and swiped up by industry. Quantum compassing could offer unique benefits to primary industries, enhancing navigation and positioning systems in challenging environments. Quantum compassing can provide highly accurate navigation, even in remote and challenging terrain, such as dense forest, deep sea fishing zones or remote pastoral sites. This technology would offer improved location accuracy, ensuring efficient operations in areas where traditional navigation methods may fall short. I can also undoubtedly see how this would add to worker safety and remote rescues.

In agriculture, precise navigation is absolutely crucial for optimising tractor routes, reducing unnecessary soil compaction and minimising environmental impact. Quantum compassing can contribute to more sustainable farming practices by enabling farmers to navigate with precision and minimising the ecological footprint of their operations—again a win for all.

This technology has the potential to aid the fishing industry by improving navigation accuracy for vessels. It could enhance the efficiency of fishing operations, helping vessels navigate to specific locations with minimal impact on marine ecosystems, and reducing fuel consumption through optimised routes. Quantum compassing can also play a role in optimising the logistics and supply chains of primary industries. Precise navigation can help streamline the transportation of agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fishery products, reducing transportation costs and improving overall efficiency.

Whilst quantum technologies are still in the early stages of development, their potential application in primary industries highlights the possibility of significantly improving operations and sustainability across a multitude of sectors. As quantum technologies mature, primary industries may integrate quantum compassing into their existing systems to gain a competitive edge in navigating complex and resource intensive environments.

I am truly excited about this field and we as a state and industry must leap at these opportunities. We must be at the forefront. The Liberal opposition is standing by ready to back the early adopters and support ag innovation, as we did in our time in government. Agtech is truly transforming agriculture with thrilling innovations. From precision farming using drones and Al to smart sensors optimising resource use, technology enhances efficiency, sustainability and yields. Exciting advancements promise to revolutionise farming practices, ensuring a more resilient and technologically advanced future for agriculture.

Industry-led and progressed initiatives for research, development and extension are crucial for primary industries, particularly for farmers and fishers, for several reasons. An industry-led initiative ensures that research and development efforts are aligned with the specific needs and challenges faced by farmers and fishers. These initiatives focus on practical, on-the-ground solutions that directly address the issues encountered in day-to-day operations. It leads to better outcomes.

Industry-led efforts are also more likely to produce research findings that are directly applicable to the realities of primary production. Farmers and fishers benefit from innovations that are tailored to their unique circumstances in their unique locations, allowing for the adoption of technology and practices that can improve efficiency and productivity in their specific contexts.

Extension programs associated with industry-led initiatives play a crucial role in transferring new knowledge and technologies to farmers and fishers. These programs facilitate the dissemination of information, training and support, enabling primary producers to adopt and implement the latest advancements in their operations.

This is something the Liberal Party of South Australia truly backs. As a regional member who grew up on a working citrus farm and who used to be a country veterinarian, I know how important this is. Conducting research in silos and publishing that research in journals is all well and good, and I do encourage that, but the findings and outcomes must be delivered and shared to those who would benefit.

Farmers and fishers operate in highly competitive markets, and their economic viability depends on adopting efficient and sustainable practices. Industry-led initiatives help ensure that research and development efforts focus on innovations that not only improve productivity but also contribute to the economic sustainability of primary industries.

Industry-led initiatives often involve collaboration between researchers, industry experts and primary producers. This collaboration fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge, with researchers gaining insights from practitioners and producers benefiting from the latest scientific advancements. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness and applicability of research outcomes.

We know that South Australian primary industries face evolving challenges, including changing climates, market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Industry-led initiatives have the potential to enable rapid responses to these dynamic conditions by fostering a proactive approach to research and development. This adaptability is essential for the long-term resilience of farmers and fishers in South Australia.

Importantly, there is empowerment in collaboration. Involving farmers and fishers in the research and development process empowers them to be active partners in shaping the future of their industries. By contributing to decision-making and solution development, stakeholders are more likely to embrace and implement innovations, leading to widespread adoption across the sector. We must bring community along.

Overall, industry-led initiatives for research, development and extension ensure that the outcomes are relevant and practical and directly benefit South Australian primary producers, contributing to the sustainability and success of the imperative sectors of primary industries and regional communities, the backbone of our state economy and, I would say, an incredibly important part of our South Australian culture.

I would like to move on to the final part of this motion—that is, the acknowledgement of the importance of SARDI, the South Australian Research and Development Institute. Ensuring sufficient resourcing and continual strengthening of SARDI is crucial for fostering future investment and growth within South Australian primary industries.

Several reasons underscore the importance of state and federal governments prioritising support for SARDI. The institute plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and technological advancements in South Australian primary industries. Adequate resourcing enables SARDI to conduct research that leads to the development of cutting-edge technologies, practices and solutions, positioning the state as a leader in agricultural and fisheries innovation, not only here in Australia but globally.

Through research and development SARDI continues to enhance the productivity and sustainability of our primary industries. This includes developing new crop varieties, improving farming practices and implementing sustainable fishing methods. These advancements are essential for ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of our industries that employ thousands of South Australian workers.

Continued investment in SARDI helps South Australia's primary industries remain globally competitive. Research outcomes from SARDI can lead to the development of high-quality products, efficient production processes and sustainable practices that position South Australia as a preferred supplier in international markets, attracting investments and fostering our economic growth and economic resilience. SARDI serves as an important hub for collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders and government bodies.

By ensuring ongoing focus and resourcing, governments can strengthen this collaborative network, facilitating the effective transfer of knowledge and technologies between research institutions and primary producers. A vibrant and well supported SARDI contributes to job creation and adds to the economic growth in South Australia. As primary industries evolve and become more efficient and sustainable through research-driven initiatives, there is potential for increased employment opportunities and a positive impact on the state's economy.

The institute's research extends to biosecurity measures, helping to identify and mitigate risks associated with pest disease and invasive species. This proactive approach is crucial for protecting South Australia's agricultural and fisheries assets, safeguarding the industries against potential threats.

In my home region, SARDI has been incredibly important in supporting industry and by extension the community of the Riverland. They have historically played a significant role in supporting and contributing to the horticultural and economic development of the Riverland region in South Australia. They were leaders in viticulture research, irrigation efficiency, citrus industry support, crop diversification, pest and disease management, soil health and nutrient management and, in more recent years, helping farmers adapt to changing seasonal conditions.

Through these initiatives, SARDI became a valuable partner for the Riverland community, providing scientific expertise, research outcomes and practical solutions to enhance the resilience, sustainability and productivity of the region's primary industries. The collaborative efforts between SARDI and local stakeholders contributed to the success and growth of the Riverland's agricultural sector.

However, today industry leaders told me they feel SARDI is not the pinnacle of research and innovation it once was. It is being starved of funds for all but pet projects and is potentially losing some of the brightest and most passionate industry leaders and researchers for interstate and overseas opportunities. SARDI must be a priority. Primary industries are far too important to this state and to the thousands of people employed in primary production right across South Australia.

Neglecting investment in primary industries research and development carries serious consequences. First and foremost, it stifles innovation, hindering the adoption of advanced technologies and practices crucial for enhancing productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness. Without research and development investment, primary industries may struggle to address emerging challenges such as water security, pests and diseases, jeopardising food and resource security.

The lack of R&D funding also inhibits the diversification of crops and farming methods, making primary sectors vulnerable to economic downturns and environmental uncertainties. Insufficient research can result in outdated practices, reducing efficiency and hindering the industry's capacity to adapt to evolving market demands. Moreover, without ongoing research and development support, primary industries risk falling behind global standards, impacting international trade and opportunities, and diminishing the overall economic contribution of those sectors.

Inadequate innovation undermines the potential for job creation, economic growth and environmental sustainability within primary industries, limiting their capacity to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, the consequences of neglecting research and development investment in primary industries reverberate across economic, social and environmental dimensions, compromising the resilience and long-term viability of those critical sectors.

Ensuring sufficient resourcing and ongoing focus on SARDI is an investment in the future of South Australia's primary industries. The research and development conducted by SARDI has far-reaching impacts on productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness, making it a strategic imperative for governments to prioritise support for the institute.

The Liberal Party of South Australia champions agtech innovations that will bolster the state's agricultural sector. By endorsing technological advancement, our party aims to enhance the productivity, sustainability and global competitiveness of the state. We will ensure that South Australia remains at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural practices for the prosperous and resilient future of our regions.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.

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