The Department of Primary Industries and Hort Innovation has announced the return of the Gatton AgTech Showcase, taking place at the Gatton Smart Farm on 15–16 October 2025.
Designed to give vegetable growers hands-on exposure to global agricultural technologies, the showcase will feature a series of Australian-first demonstrations. Highlights include the Ecorobotix ARA Smart Sprayer and innovations in protected cropping technologies, offering growers a unique opportunity to see these solutions in action on Australian soil.
Ian Layden, Director of Vegetables, Systems and Supply Chains at the Department of Primary Industries, said the event fills a critical gap in the market for practical, on-farm AgTech applications. "We are thrilled to announce the return of the Gatton AgTech Showcase for 2025, particularly off the back of the massive success of the 2023 event," he said.
"The live demonstration in 2023 attracted 800 people, including 200 growers from across Australia. Feedback showed that both growers and technology companies value an interactive regional event that tests innovations in real-world conditions. Our Gatton Smart Farm is the ideal venue, offering the ability to trial technologies in open-field and protected cropping systems."
Layden added that the showcase is focused on finding the best-fit AgTech for Australian growers, with live demonstrations central to that mission.
Tom McCue, Hort Innovation's Research and Development Manager, noted that the 2025 showcase would strengthen Australia's global AgTech standing. "Through this program, we're seeing international manufacturers increasingly view Australia as a key market—not only due to the scale of our industry but also because events like Gatton provide a platform for direct engagement with growers," he said.
"For manufacturers, it's a rare opportunity to understand the specific challenges of Australian agriculture and refine their products accordingly. For growers, it's about seeing the technology in operation and assessing its potential fit for their business."
The Australian Agritech Association (AusAgritech), the country's peak body for AgTech, will also support the 2025 showcase by coordinating a speaking program tailored for growers, AgTech providers, and students.
Following its successful debut in November 2023, the Gatton AgTech Showcase was recognised with the 2024 VISY Industry Impact Award at the Australian Horticulture Awards for Excellence, underscoring its innovative approach.
The 2025 event is funded by Hort Innovation through the vegetable and onion research and development levies, with contributions from the Australian Government and co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
For more information:
Ian Layden
Queensland Government
Tel: +61 409 495 737
Email: [email protected]
www.dpi.qld.gov.au