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By Claire Quinn and Sophie Volker, Queensland Department of Primary Industries
The Gatton AgTech Showcase will provide an opportunity for vegetable growers to see new global agtech in action for the first time on Australian soil and to talk to agtech manufacturers about how these technologies can help their businesses be more productive and profitable.
Attendees will be treated to Australian first demonstrations of agtech options including the Ecorobotix ARA Smart Sprayer and a range of protected cropping technologies.
Department of Primary Industries Director of Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains Ian Layden said the event – delivered as part of the Queensland Smart Farm initiative – was created to fill a gap in the market for automated and practical on-farm solutions.
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Gatton AgTech Showcase for 2025, particularly off the back of the massive success of the 2023 event,” Mr Layden said.
“The live demonstration in 2023 attracted 800 people, including 200 growers from across Australia, with feedback indicating growers and technology companies see value in an interactive regional event that demonstrates the technologies in real world conditions.
“Our Gatton Smart Farm is the perfect location to host an event like this, providing a unique opportunity to grow crops in the field and under protected cropping and apply technological solutions to those environments.
“Our goal is to find the best agtech for Australian growers, with this year’s showcase set to highlight those technologies in action.”
Hort Innovation’s Research and Development Manager Tom McCue said the 2025 showcase would further strengthen Australia’s position on the global agtech map.
“Through this program, we’re seeing international manufacturers starting to seriously consider Australia as a key market for their technology – not just because of the scale of our industry, but because events like the Gatton AgTech Showcase create a platform for direct engagement with growers,” Mr McCue said.
“For manufacturers, this is a rare opportunity to understand the unique challenges of Australian farming and to shape their products to suit local conditions. For growers, it’s about seeing this technology working in the paddock and having real conversations about whether it fits their operation.”
The Australian Agritech Association (AusAgritech) – the peak body for agritech in Australia – is also partnering to support the 2025 Gatton AgTech Showcase through a speaking program designed for growers, agritech providers, and students.
AusAgritech Executive Officer Meg Lovegrove said the showcase delivered “agritech in action” through practical insights, direct grower engagement and future-focused conversations.
“With real-time demonstrations, validated data and a speaking program grounded in grower needs, the showcase connects producers, innovators, and students to what’s working now and what’s coming next,” she said.
AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said the peak body for vegetable growers also welcomed the return of the showcase, which would assist with some of the increased pressures facing growers in recent years.
“We certainly welcome events like the Gatton AgTech Showcase, which provide firsthand opportunities for growers to see and learn about the latest developments,” he said.
“Finding and adopting new agricultural technology has the potential to address some of the energy, labour and input cost challenges that are continuing to put growers under pressure.”
After its successful first event in November 2023, the showcase’s innovative style was recognised by winning the 2024 VISY Industry Impact Award at the Australian Horticulture Awards for Excellence.