Agricultural Innovation Kim Ritman Chief Scientist ABARES

intra-ruminal wireless device for methane detection

Technology is part of innovation Innovation is the process that can lead to the adoption of new or existing –information –technology –practices Innovation includes factors affecting demand and use

Maintain productivity growth Sustainable natural resources Water availability Population change & growth Market forces Climate change Increasing input costs Why innovate? Crop growth limits? Finite land Staying profitable

The innovation pipeline Technology pushDemand pull Bright idea Better mousetrap IdeaResearchDevelopmentDemonstration Adoption Intellectual property collaboration FundingRegistration consultation partnerships marketing production

GRDC Mission statement “To invest in innovation for the greatest benefit to its stakeholders. This will be achieved by being a global leader in linking science, technology and commercialisation with industry and community needs” (GRDC annual report 2010).

Innovation funnel Precision Agriculture GPS Remote Sensing GIS Sensors Mobile & Wireless Communications Guidance Systems Variable Rate Technology Software/ Hardware Integration Internet Computers Automation & Control Systems Agronomy Information & Technology Climate forecasts

Precision Agriculture – case study Yield monitor technology available GRDC project Grower PA assoc. formed Economic study shows gains 400 members, expos, e-news etc. “Hard to see returns for money but a keen few but persisted “Coloured maps showing variation, nothing converting this to profit “Allocate inputs to areas that need them for optimal yield and not waste them in areas where yield is always limiting Promotion in other regions to growers An account from a Nuffield scholar Workshops, farmer teaching farmer

Where are farmers sourcing information?

What are farmers using? The most adopted innovations: soil management crop management plant breeding precision agriculture integrated pest and weed management new machinery and automation Combining technologies into practices

What are farmers considering? improvements in livestock and crops genetic modification as an important tool traits such as –drought tolerance –chemical resistance –integrated pest management automation and mechanisation soil management and health

What are farmers wanting? remote technologies automation integration of multiple technologies and data sustainable management of natural resources adapt to and mitigate climate change measurement and economics of soil carbon

“Non-production” innovations wanted improved business management increasing workforce capacity marketing and value-adding to products increased investment in R&D

Risk Soil biology Farm rationalisation Efficient irrigated agriculture A B D Output C F Climate risk management Canopy management Precision agriculture Dual purpose crops Automation & robotics ICT in agriculture Source: Keating et al. (2010) GM crops Harnessing GxExM Value chain dividends New commodities GxExM Genetics x Environment x Management Harness genetic variability targeted at specific environments using adaptive management Dryland innovations to 2030

Innovations and the future Opportunity to apply innovations to: Increase efficiency in resource use Minimise non-productive losses Increase control of complex systems Better balance environmental and economic sustainability