Agriculture and Australia are virtually synonymous. The agriculture industry has been the backbone of the Australian economy, but in recently years Australia has struggled to keep a-pace with what is referred to as AgTech 4.0. In short, that is the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) into agriculture to ensure greater and more efficient productivity. 

Whilst Austrade has made a significant push to sharpen our AgTech space and secure foreign investment, AgTech 4.0 continues to be an issue. A recent report conducted by KPMG, Agri-Tech 4.0 took a deep dive into the great enabler of agriculture for the future and issues relating to industry pick-up, revealing connectivity as a major barrier. Living in remote areas of Australia is tantamount in the world of farming and agriculture. 

For many living and farming in remote and regional NSW internet connectivity continues to be an issue. According to the KPMG report, “Australian agriculture has struggled to innovate and implement technologies as quickly as affectively as other leading food producing nations such as the US and the Netherlands.”

Despite the regional build of the nbn scheduled to be complete this year, internet connectivity continues to be an issue, with countries like the US leading the charge. Predications according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation indicate that by 2050 the planet will reach an immensity of 10 billion people, and to satisfy these needs the agriculture industry will need to grow by nearly 70 percent. 

Notwithstanding the Australian agricultural lag, there are many positives that haven’t been addressed. AgTech is incredibly well funded in Australia, and our farmers are some of the most innovative and willing to adopt new technology the world-over. 

“What we’re sitting on is all the right ingredients for Australia to ultimately become a leader in what we refer to as Agri 4.0 — Industry 4.0 application to agriculture,” said Ben van Delden, KPMG head of markets and AgTech sector leader.

Whilst connectivity remains key, it is increasingly becoming less so. KPMG recommends farmers equip themselves with the right information relating to connectivity and tech business, including bringing connectivity to them. 

Read the full report: https://home.kpmg/au/en/home/insights/2019/05/agri-4-0-connectivity-digital-innovation-australian-farming.html