From CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
Queensland is Australia’s largest agricultural state and is leaning into agtech to improve productivity and outcomes for producers. During our first few days, we have engaged with a diverse range of groups, all passionate about collaboration and advancing agtech adoption and climate resilience.
During our bilateral meeting with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), we discussed shared opportunities around agtech, joint research, and building synergies through existing partnerships. Western Growers and F3 Innovate both have agreements in Queensland to further innovation and agtech adoption.
Queensland’s government is also spearheading the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, an AU$30 million investment fund to advance long-term agricultural production by supporting commercially focused innovation, something California could explore as well.
We also visited Kalfresh and Barden Farms, two growing operations investing in innovation and agtech. Kalfresh is leading efforts to establish Australia’s first food and energy precinct in Queensland, combining vegetable production, bioenergy, and food manufacturing. The company is also dedicated to workforce development, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders through apprenticeships and financial support.
At Barden Farms, a fresh produce company, a variety of agtech and automation technologies are being deployed in the field, from electric weeders to automated farm transport—all aimed at improving farm efficiency. Barden also provided valuable perspectives on the real-world challenges farmers face when deploying automation across diverse soil types and climatic conditions.
We also had the opportunity to visit DPI’s Gatton Smart Farm, the University of Southern Queensland, Boomaroo Nurseries, and SwarmFarm Robotics. Each visit reinforced the many similarities between California and Queensland, as well as the strong ties and opportunities we share around agricultural innovation.
And it’s not just about the site visits, it’s about the networking and relationships built along the way. We joined the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), a regional economic development nonprofit, to discuss the California AgTech Alliance and the potential for this model to support agricultural businesses in the region. Great discussions and equally great company.
I’m looking forward to the days ahead in Bundaberg, Melbourne, and Mildura. The potential for collaboration between California and Australia is tremendous, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together.
Secretary Ross is in Australia as part of the California Trade and Climate Policy Mission.