Federal Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce visited UNE this morning to announce the first tranche of funding for the R&D for Profit Scheme. The Minister has approved funding of up to $26.7 million for twelve applications. One of the successful projects was submitted by UNE PARG through
Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA), for which the government has awarded $3.4 million with matched funding from industry and various in-kind. The ~$7 million, UNE PARG-led project includes numerous leading tree-crop producers, QDAFF, DSITIA, University of Sydney, University of Queensland and Central Queensland University. The project will integrate the latest imaging and robotics technologies to provide mango, avocado and macadamia farmers with decision-support tools to help improve production and profit. The data collected through this project, and the tools it develops, will help farmers to predict fruit quality and yield, and to monitor tree health including early detection of pests and disease outbreaks.
Congratulations to Dr Andrew Robson (left of photo) on leading this successful bid.