• Charles Sturt to host AgriPark Forum on Thursday 29 April
• The forum will bring together University staff, industry experts, community and AgriPark partners to showcase opportunities and cover key topics of agricultural resilience, security and innovation
• The AgriPark is estimated to generate between 400 and 500 jobs during construction and another 420 jobs across a 10-year period while contributing $34.2 million in economic output across the region

Charles Sturt University will host a forum to showcase the AgriSciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) in Wagga Wagga.

AgriPark brings together the best people and ideas from industry, government agencies and research organisations to create a world-leading centre for innovation, research and development to drive productivity growth in our agricultural and food sectors.

The University and AgriPark partners are inviting industry leaders and members of the public to the event, which will provide an opportunity to hear about the vision for AgriPark and opportunities for collaboration.

The program will feature discussions hosted by Charles Sturt researchers and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, SoilCQuest, Agronomeye, Department of Primary Industries, Riverina Local Land Services, AgriFutures and Anomaly Software.

The key topics of resilience, security and opportunity will be covered, followed by moderated question and answer sessions.

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Secretary Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO will attend and address the forum on the importance and benefits of the partnership between the University and the Department.

Charles Sturt Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov said the AgriPark aims to enhance the sustainability, productivity and prosperity of the national agricultural and farming sector.

With the recent announcement of $8 million funding for the Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub at the AgriPark in Wagga Wagga, Professor Germov said the University continues to further its commitment to the industry.

“Charles Sturt University is the country’s largest regional university and we are proud to be a significant contributor to research and development that produces real-world benefits for farmers and industry,” he said.

“The AgriPark forum will share the vision, purpose and facilities on offer to further the agricultural and farming industry.”

Since AgriPark began in 2017, it has grown to include 20 enterprises and more than 100 staff as well as more than 200 research scientists on the Wagga Wagga campus from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre and the Institute for Land, Water and Society.

Charles Sturt Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Michael Friend said the benefits of the collaborative aspect of the AgriPark and relationship with partners and stakeholders will be highlighted at the forum.

“We are focused on building on the success of the park as we look to the future,” Professor Friend said.

“The forum is an opportunity for industry to come together and demonstrate what we’ve already achieved and showcase the possibilities that can come from collaboration at AgriPark.”

An independent economic impact assessment concluded that AgriPark will generate between 400 and 500 jobs during construction and another 420 jobs across a 10-year period while contributing $34.2 million in economic output across the region.

The forum will be held at the Charles Sturt Convention Centre on Pine Gully Road from 8.30am on Thursday 29 April.

Registrations for this free day can be made on the Eventbrite website by Thursday 22 April and are open to those who wish to learn more about the AgriPark.

Those who cannot attend in person can view the livestream, with an interactive function to allow those watching online to ask questions.