Agri-Start Field Tour
January 16, 2019 at 2:35 PM
From microherbs and a high-tech piggery, to rock lobsters, organic beef, traditional grain farms and robotic citrus packing facilities, creating linkages between Agtech start-ups and innovative WA agribusinesses was the theme for the 2 day AgriStart field tour held 25/26 October, supported by the Wheatbelt Development Commission (WDC) and City of Wanneroo.
Nine of the agtech start-ups taking part in the HARVEST Agtech Accelerator program had the chance to get their boots dirty in the Wheatbelt and receive valuable feedback from farmers.
The tour kicked off in the City of Wanneroo, with innovative lettuce and micro herb farmers P&A Pan demonstrating the high value production possible off small areas of land.
Demonstrating world-leading animal welfare conditions and high-tech production facilities, the Craig Mostyn Piggery near Gingin was a highlight of the tour.
The Lobster Shack in Cervantes provided insights into the export market for WA rock lobsters and issues around the volatile pricing.
Sustainable land practices were on display at the Dandaragan Organic Beef Farm and a visit to a more traditional grain focused farm owned by the Smith family near Wannamal highlighted a focus on soil health practices such as compost and green manure.
The tour concluded with the impressive new packing shed built by Northern Valley Packers in Bindoon. The main robotic machinery can sort oranges into over 40 different categories and services orchards from across the state.
“If we want to continue to be world leaders in the agricultural sector and increase our ability to respond to diverse challenges including fluctuating markets and increased competition, weather and changing consumer demands, grassroots support for programs such as AgriStart’s HARVEST are part of the bigger picture.” said WDC CEO Wendy Newman
Collaboration is a core part of the success of the AgriStart program, with the support of key sponsors critical to keeping it free for participating start-ups. Rebecca Tomkinson, Chair of WDC said that “WDC are proud to support this initiative and look forward to ongoing engagement with AgriStart.”
AgriStart’s HARVEST program is also supported by Premium Partners - Meat and Livestock Australia, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Silver Partners - CSBP, Muresk Institute and Atomic Sky; Bronze Partners - Wrays, Agworld, Gemstar, Liberty, Triangle Equity Partners and UWA.
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