AgTech solutions for future farming is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Support Regional Trade Events Program

AgTech solutions for future farming

Our Symposium aims to explore the latest advancements and breakthroughs in agricultural technology (AgTech) and how they can pave the way for a more sustainable, efficient and prosperous way we grow food.​

With a growing population, food scarcity and environmental concerns paramount, our agricultural and food systems face unprecedented challenges. However, within these challenges lie opportunities for transformative change driven by technology.​

From genetic technologies and data analytics to people engineering AgTech and robotics, the Symposium will delve into the cutting-edge solutions revolutionising the way we grow, harvest, and distribute food. Australia’s leading food and agricultural experts, researchers, and industry leaders will share their insights, experiences, and visions for leveraging AgTech to address pressing issues such as food security, agricultural emissions, climate change resilience, resource conservation, and rural development.​

The dynamic event will feature:

• Keynote speeches from Australia’s leading food and agricultural experts, researchers and industry leaders
• Interactive panel discussions and Australian AgriTech displays
• Networking opportunities for attendees to gain valuable knowledge, forge meaningful connections and brainstorm actionable strategies to propel the AgTech revolution forward.
• Exposure to Australia’s exciting AgTech innovations

Whether you're a farmer, scientist, entrepreneur, policymaker, or are simply passionate about shaping the future of agriculture, this Symposium offers a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, and collaborate towards building a more sustainable and equitable food system.​

The Symposium on 2 April 2025 will be complimented by a Smart Farm visits on 1 and 3 April 2025, offering attendees the opportunity to visit university facilities and engage in additional networking opportunities.

The Symposium will take place simultaneously across two Australian Universities at the forefront of agricultural
innovation, the University of New England, Armidale & Western Sydney University, Parramatta.

Keynote Presentation

Moderator – Su McCluskey FTSE — Special Representative for Australian Agriculture

Speaker

• Scott Hansen — Chief Executive Officer, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines

Scott was the Director General of the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Having joined DPI in 2014, he oversaw DPI’s efforts aimed at driving economic growth through research and innovation to improve the resilience and productivity of the sector, while managing and reducing risks to industry and community confidence.

Before joining DPI, Scott Hansen held senior management positions in both the public and private sectors with a defined interest in the areas of agriculture, innovation and productivity. Immediately prior to joining DPI, he was Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), responsible for the overall operations of the business and a 170 million AUD industry‐funded budget for research and development and marketing.

Session 1: Automating the future

Moderator – Chris Vonwiller AM FTSE — Chairman, Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering

Speaker

• Professor Salah Sukkarieh FTSE — Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, University of Sydney

Professor Sukkarieh is Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, School of Aerospace Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering; and Director of Research and Innovation at the Australian Centre for Field Robotics. He is a pioneer in the research, development and application of robotics and intelligent systems.

He has worked with a range of companies and government organisations to apply these technologies in industrial and civilian applications for Australian and international benefit. He is a world leader in autonomous navigation and mapping for robotic aircraft and in the application of this technology to operational systems in aerospace, biosecurity and agriculture.

Panellists

• Liam Maiden — Business Analyst, Costa Group
• Sarah Nolet — Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tenacious Ventures
• Andrew Bate — Founder, SwarmFarm Robotics
• Professor Andrew Robson — Director, Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARC)

Session 2: Selecting for the Future

Moderator – Professor Susanne Hermesch FTSE - Professor, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England

Speaker

• Professor Ben Hayes — Centre Director, Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland

Professor Hayes is a world-leading genomics expert and is the co-inventor of genomic prediction for traits in dairy and beef cattle. Ben has extensive research experience in the genetic improvement of livestock, crop, pasture and aquaculture species, with a focus on the integration of genomic information into breeding programs.

Professor Hayes is a member of the National Livestock Genetics Consortium Taskforce and has recently been appointed the Research Director for the Zero Net Emissions in Agriculture CRC.

Panellists

• Michael Crowley — Managing Director, Meat & Livestock Australia
• Dr Steve Jefferies AM FTSE — Principal, Jefferies Ag Solutions
• Dr Klara Verbyla — Vice President, Genetic Improvement, The Centre for Aquaculture Technologies, Honorary Associate Professor, Australian National University
• Professor Neena Mitter FTSE — Deputy Vice-Chancellor Associate (Global Research), Charles Sturt University

Session 3: People Engineering the AgTech Future

Moderator – Professor Lou Conway — Director of Enterprise, University of New England

Speakers

• Sally-Ann Williams — CEO, Cicada Innovations

Sally-Ann is an international leader driving engagement and change strategies in innovation and entrepreneurship across the STEM sector. She champions education and diversity and Chairs the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review for the Federal Government.

As CEO of Cicada Innovations she has enabled extraordinary growth in Deep-Tech commercialisation programs, such as CSL’s biomedical incubator, producing a five-fold increase in trained STEM professionals. She is a Board Member of diverse organisations including AusOcean, NSW Smart Sensing Network and the Tech Central Advisory Board, and an advisor to incubators/accelerators including Startmate, the Modern Manufacturing Initiative and Boosting Female Founders Program.

• Meg Lovegrove — General Manager, Australian Agritech Association

Meg is a dedicated General Manager and Agritech Advocate known for her strong communication, hard work, and adept relationship-building skills. With over a decade of experience spanning various industries, Meg excels in stakeholder engagement, project management, and leadership. Her adaptability shines whether interacting face-to-face with the public or collaborating in large teams.

Currently at the helm of the Australian Agritech Association (AusAgritech), Meg leverages her expertise in strategic management, stakeholder engagement, and long-term relationship building. In this pivotal role, she plays a central part in steering the organisation toward sustained growth and success. With over a decade in customer service, including six plus years in management, Meg brings a 'People First' approach that proves effective in creating high-performance teams. Her keen eye for identifying issues and generating long-term, flexible solutions has been instrumental in developing efficient and sustainable systems and processes.

Panellists

• Dr Jack Mooney — Owner, Provenance Propagation
• Danielle Morton — CEO and Founder, Zondii
• Bill Mitchell — CEO and Founder, Optiweigh
• Mat Goddard — CEO and Founder, Aquacultr Group

Summary of Future Actions

Moderator – Distinguished Professor David Tissue — Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University

Speakers

• Su McCluskey FTSE — Special Representative for Australian Agriculture

Su is a highly experienced integrator of technology, commerce, regulation and international trade through senior executive and director roles with government, statutory bodies and the private sector. Her impact in agricultural production and trade has been complemented by her roles in primary industries and international research as a Commissioner for Australian International Agricultural Research, and Australia’s Special Representative for Agriculture advising two federal Ministers on constraints to innovation. She brings a unique ability to reduce research and technology application barriers in and from Australia informed by her leadership of the R&D Council, Best Practice Regulation and other bodies.

• Dr Nick Austin FTSE — Non-Executive Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations

Dr Austin is a hydrologist by training, bridging agriculture and engineering in the critical area of water. From his earliest appointments in water policy reform, Nick has shown an exceptional ability to build partnerships between government, businesses and society for the common good. 

He is recognised internationally and domestically for delivering innovative solutions to complex technological and political challenges. He has worked to improve the lives of smallholder farming families, having led the agricultural development program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and, nationally, as CEO of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.