News

Productivity gains start with seeing what's possible

Publication date: June 29, 2026

Article-MR-ProductivityCaption: Impact Update productivity panel featuring Angela Candeloro (Tripod Farms), Walt Duflock (Western Growers, USA) Paul McLaughlin (Big Red Produce), Adam Flowers (Schreurs & Sons) and Andrew Francey (Hort Innovation).

Improving productivity is critical to the long-term success of Australian horticulture, particularly as labour availability, rising costs and operational pressures continue to impact grower businesses.

Increasing efficiency is no longer just about incremental improvements - it requires new approaches to how production systems are managed, including the adoption of automation, global insights and improved on-farm decision making.

At this year’s Impact Update, growers came together to explore how productivity gains are being achieved in practice, and what is required to adopt new technologies successfully. 

Watch the full session

Key takeaways

  • Labour constraints are accelerating the adoption of automation: Technologies such as AI-enabled harvesting and laser weeding are helping maintain productivity in the face of ongoing workforce challenges.
  • Seeing solutions in operation supports adoption: Study tours and industry connections enable growers to assess technology in real conditions and better understand how it can be applied on farm.
  • Global insights are informing local decision-making: Learnings from markets such as the US and Israel are influencing production systems, workforce models and technology uptake in Australia.
  • Productivity includes workforce efficiency and safety: Reducing repetitive manual work and minimising injury risk are important considerations alongside cost and output.
  • Technology must be adaptable to Australian systems: Flexibility in design and implementation is required to ensure solutions are effective across different growing conditions.
  • Clear priorities support better outcomes: Identifying key business constraints helps ensure investment in technology and industry engagement delivers value. 

Loading component...