• Australia's agrifood sector, researchers and technology providers will convene in Wagga Wagga to explore how to make our farming systems 'Future-Fit' at the Digital Agrifood Summit
• This is the third year Charles Sturt, the University’s Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark), and Food Agility CRC will host the Summit at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga
• The Summit is supported by major sponsor Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and principal partner Deloitte

 Experts from Australia, New Zealand and Canada will meet at the 2024 Digital Agrifood Summit (DAS24) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga to discuss the future of Australia’s agrifood industry.

DAS24 will be hosted by Charles Sturt, the Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) and Food Agility CRC from Tuesday 29 to Wednesday 30 October, at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga

Beginning with a farmer-focused Expo Day featuring more than 50 exhibitors, expert panel presentations and technology demonstrations, DAS24 will deliver an insightful and engaging program.

The expo on day one takes place on the University’s 2,000 hectare Global Digital Farm and showcases innovative agricultural technologies and data-driven applications for dryland and irrigated livestock, crop and horticultural production.

Technology demonstrations at the expo will include:

• Agrointelli Robotti LongRange autonomous implement carrier
• SwarmFarm autonomous field systems
• Croplands Prospr autonomous spraying system
• Optiweigh sheep and beef weighing systems
• Loam Bio soil carbon management
• Downforce soil carbon measurement
• DataMars walkover weighing system
• Australian Plant Phenomics Network drone-based crop assessment system
• Clipex sheep autodrafting
• Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Future Institute’s robotic dog and flapper drone

The Conference on day two will address topics including decarbonisation and electrification, how Australian producers can verify sustainability credentials on the global stage and the approach we should adopt when it comes to artificial intelligence in agriculture.

AgriPark Executive Director Mr Nick Pagett said the summit has a strong focus on technology demonstrations in a real-world farm setting.

“Charles Sturt University’s Global Digital Farm is the perfect location for our inaugural Digital Agrifood Summit Agtech Expo, which will highlight cutting-edge agricultural innovations on the University’s commercial farm,” he said.

“It presents a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase the latest advancements in ag technology, while primary producers gain firsthand insights into the future of sustainable farming.

“Together, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in the agriculture industry.”

Food Agility Chief Executive Officer Dr Mick Schaefer expressed pride at what the Digital Agrifood Summit has been able to achieve since its inception in 2022.

“Every year we are able to attract some of the world’s leading experts to the vibrant Riverina to discuss the big issues facing the Australian agrifood industry,” said Dr Schaefer.

“This event is a catalyst for anyone wanting to expand their network or explore the latest innovations in the agritech industry.”

Mr Tim Lee from ABC Landline will MC the conference, with environmental scientist and adventurer Mr Tim Jarvis delivering the keynote address at the Gulbali Gala Dinner.

Other speakers at the conference include Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon, Charles Sturt’s Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Futures Institute Executive Director Professor Ganna Pogrebna, Natalie Collard from Farmers for Climate Action, Ben van Delden from Deloitte, Sarah Carney from Microsoft ANZ and Mike Casey from Rewiring Aotearoa.

Tickets for the expo and conference are now available to purchase online.