Showcasing innovation and collaboration in Regional NSW – Digital Agrifood Summit

Charles Sturt University’s commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural futures was showcased at the Digital Agrifood Summit held in October, 2023 in Wagga Wagga. This annual event brought together prominent leaders from both international and Australian agrifood sectors, highlighting the university’s role as a leader in agricultural research and innovation. The Digital Agrifood Summit is a key initiative of the Food Agility Collaborative Research Centre (CRC).

At the heart of the summit was the Global Digital Farm, Charles Sturt University’s flagship initiative dedicated to transforming agricultural practices through cutting-edge technology and data-driven solutions. The farm, a commercial-scale landscape laboratory, serves as a vital benchmark for sustainable food, fibre and energy production. Professor David Lamb, chief scientist at the Food Agility CRC, emphasised the farm’s role in providing delegates with a tangible vision of the future of farming.

The summit, themed ‘Paddock to Profit’, showcased how digital transformation can enhance value and sustainability in the agrifood sector. Delegates explored real-world applications of data through a custom dashboard developed by Australian startup Pairtree Intelligence, featuring real-time insights from leading agtech providers such as Downforce Technologies and AgriWebb.

The event also featured an impressive lineup of experts, including former UN Environmental Programme chief scientist Professor Jacquie McGlade and Canadian innovation hub leader Laura Kilcrease. Their insights, along with presentations from industry figures like Richard Heath of the Australian Farm Institute, underscored the importance of collaborative research and industry engagement in driving agricultural innovation.

Supported by gold sponsors Transgrid and ANZ Bank, and strategic partner the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, the summit reinforced Charles Sturt University’s dedication to fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Networking opportunities, such as the growAG Breakfast and the Gulbali Stargazing Gala, further facilitated meaningful connections and showcased local produce, highlighting the university’s integral role in shaping the future of agriculture through research and collaboration.

In its first two years (2022 and 2023), the summit attracted more than 450 delegates to the regional centre of Wagga Wagga. Additionally, more than 150 high school students from 10 participating schools attended the summit to be inspired by careers in agriculture.