Next Gen Weed Project
Farm Tech Australia, in partnership with Applied Horticulture Research, is a recipient of funding through Hort Innovation’s Next Gen Weed Management Project.
The program is tackling one of horticulture’s most costly and persistent problems, weed management, through innovative, technology-driven research.
Weeds can slash crop yields by up to 50% and are particularly problematic in crops like potato, onion, garlic and leafy greens.
With herbicide resistance increasing and chemical control options declining, the program is focused on developing and accelerating adoption of new, sustainable methods of weed control that are both effective and commercially viable.
Ours is a grower-led project that accelerates the adoption of AI-enabled robotics and autonomous vehicles for weeding, planting ands praying.
The project focuses on real-world integration of these emerging technologies into Australian vegetable farms, providing support services, production system adjustments and clear economic analysis to reduce the risk for wider industry uptake.
Through on-farm demonstrations, economic modelling and industry consultation, this project aims to show how robotics can cut costs, boost productivity and reduce environmental impact, while helping growers future proof their operations.
The project team is keen to connect with manufacturers of new agricultural technology that is yet to be adopted in Australia.