The Coalition Government is investing more than $2.9 million in new technology to help horticulturalists improve their environmental credentials through the second round of Smart Farming Partnerships program.
Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd is being funded to deliver the project ‘Digital remote monitoring to improve horticulture’s environmental performance’ over the next four years.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the project would help protect fragile ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef, Murray-Darling and coastal lake systems.
“Farmers are the best environmental custodians we have and this will make them better.
“New technology is making on-farm environmental work easier and cheaper.
“Good environmental stewardship will see farm-gate prices improve by building on Australia’s reputation for producing the world’s best food.
“This project has four pilot smart farms in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
“This could help reduce the loss of nutrients and soil into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, saving money and resources while improving environmental outcomes.
“The industry is watching this project closely for broader national applications.
“We want to help agriculture become a $100 billion industry by 2030 and projects like this could be a big step towards that goal.”
This part of the $57.5 million Smart Farming Partnerships program.
For more details about Smart Farming Partnerships click here.
Fast Facts:
- The Smart Farms program is part of phase two of the National Landcare Program.
- Smart Farms encourages the development and uptake of best practice and technology to help primary industries protect soils, water and vegetation and improve productivity
