Emerging Technologies refer to new technologies that are currently developing or will be developed over the next five to ten years, and which will substantially alter horticulture farming practices, the way we do business, the environment in which we work and potentially the consumer’s perception of the products they eat or enjoy. These technologies include information technology (eg. software and hardware), wireless data communication, man-machine communication, on-demand printing, bio-technologies and advanced robotics.


Horticulture Australia’s Emerging Technologies Portfolio also includes research activities in the following disciplines:

• Information, communication technology (including software and hardware)
• Crop sensors, GPS and GIS applications
• Mechanisation, automation and robotics both on-farm, in the packhouse or processing
• Near-infrared spectroscopy and X-ray
• Biodegradable plastics
• New energy products