From smart maps to smart tractors: Hort Innovation’s latest AgTech projects

In the lead-up to the 2025 Gatton AgTech Showcase this October (15-16), Hort Innovation is spotlighting its investment suite of automation and technology projects that are reshaping horticulture - from spatial mapping and augmented reality to autonomous machinery and AI-driven forecasting.  

These projects are designed to help growers reduce labour pressure, improve productivity and sustainability, and make informed decisions about tech adoption. 

Driving AgTech adoption across Australia (AS20007) 

AS20007 has transformed the Queensland Department of Primary Industries Gatton site into a national AgTech hub, giving growers a hands-on way to trial emerging technologies in real farm conditions. The Smart Farm features protected cropping systems, field robotics, UAVs, and sensor networks, plus the AgWeather app for decision support. 

Recent activities include postharvest trials, VR/AR digital twin development, and ROI case studies on autonomous machinery. The project also supports the Gatton AgTech Showcase (15–16 October 2025), where growers can see the latest global tech like the Ecorobotix ARA Smart Sprayer in action. 

Why it matters: Growers can test-drive new technologies in real farm conditions, compare ROI, and shape tools to suit Australian production - reducing investment risk and accelerating adoption. 

Spatially enabling tree crop production practice (AS23000) 

AS23000 is expanding the Australian Tree Crop Map - a national dataset that helps growers and industry understand orchard size, distribution, and productivity. The map supports biosecurity response, traceability, and disaster recovery. 

Led by the University of New England, the project is adding new layers of data including variety, planting date, and management practices. It’s backed by industry bodies including Avocados Australia, Citrus Australia, and the Australian Macadamia Society, and is soon to be supported by Mangoes Australia as well. The map will also be adding further industries to the dashboard including dried grape, lychee, cherries and summerfruit in the coming months. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to accurate, up-to-date orchard data that supports planning, market access, and rapid response to biosecurity threats. 

Driving on-farm productivity with augmented technologies for fruit growers (AS23002) 

AS23002 is trialling augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity in berry and table grape industries. The project partners with Clarifresh to automate fruit quality control using AI-powered AR tools, and Think.Digital to identify gaps in data visualisation for agronomists and identify how AR and VR can support.  

Technologies include wearables, smartphone-based AR apps, and machine learning models for image processing and pattern recognition. 

Why it matters: Growers can reduce waste, improve training, improve employee efficiencies, and make faster, data-driven decisions - while laying the groundwork to scale these innovations to other crops. 

Using AI and Machine Learning to improve weather forecasting (AS23005) 

AS23005 is developing a machine learning–powered weather forecasting platform tailored to individual horticulture blocks. Led by Jane’s Weather, the project integrates data from over 2,500 weather stations - including BoM, DPI, and private networks - to deliver hyper-local insights for frost protection, spraying, irrigation, and pest control. 

The AI model fine-tunes forecasts up to 18 times daily, learning from on-farm observations to reduce error and improve decision-making. Growers report significant time and cost savings, with features like dew prediction and evapotranspiration (eTo) on the roadmap. 

Why it matters: Growers get more accurate, site-specific forecasts that support better planning and reduce risk across operations. 

Digital remote monitoring to improve horticulture production and environmental performance (AS23006) 

AS23006 is developing a roadmap for integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics into horticulture using digital remote monitoring. Led by Applied Horticultural Research, the project is scoping existing software platforms to streamline quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and productivity tracking. 

The work builds on a previous project that had four pilot smart farms - in vegetables, bananas, nursery, and avocados - testing the system in Great Barrier Reef catchments. Technologies include weather stations, soil moisture sensors, leachate monitors, and cloud-based dashboards. The project also supports remote auditing and aligns with frameworks like Freshcare ENV4, EcoHort, and Hort360. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to real-time data that simplifies compliance, improves input efficiency, and supports sustainable production. 

Automating the Nuts Industry in Australia: A pathway to smarter orchards and labour optimisation (AS23008) 

AS23008 is testing and adapting Bluewhite’s Pathfinder autonomous tractor system for use in Australian nut orchards. The project integrates advanced AI and connected farming technologies to reduce reliance on manual labour, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency. 

With support from Hort Innovation, the system is being tailored to meet the specific needs of Australian nut growers - delivering a scalable, smart farming solution that boosts productivity and sustainability while preparing the industry for future innovations. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to autonomous machinery that streamlines operations, reduces labour costs, improves safety and supports long-term orchard viability. While this current project is developed for the nut industry, there is an opportunity to scale across other horticulture sectors down the line, creating opportunties for a range of growers.  

Robotic UV-C System for Sustainable Powdery Mildew Control (AS23010) 

AS23010 is investigating the effectiveness of UV-C light for controlling powdery mildew in Australian horticulture, using a robotic autonomous system. The project is focused on strawberries, cucumbers, and table grapes - crops with unique trellis systems and varietal diversity that require tailored approaches. 

Given Australia’s high natural UV radiation and the variability in mildew tolerance, the research will assess whether international UV-C dosage standards are effective under local conditions. The robotic system aims to deliver precise, efficient applications that reduce chemical use and improve sustainability. 

Why it matters: Growers benefit from reduced losses, lower costs, enhanced disease control, and a more sustainable approach to managing powdery mildew. 

AI-Driven Tree Nut Yield Forecasting (AS24006) 

AS24006 is developing predictive yield models for walnut, pecan, macadamia, and almond orchards using machine learning, remote sensing, weather data, and ground-based measurements. Led by the University of New England and in partnership with Stahmann Webster, the project is analysing historical and current orchard data to identify key factors driving yield variability. 

The models will account for seasonal fluctuations and biennial bearing, with the goal of improving forecasting accuracy and supporting better farm management decisions. The approach is designed to be scalable across other crops and regions, enabling broader industry adoption. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to smarter yield forecasts that improve planning, profitability, and resilience across the nut tree industry. 

Drone-Enabled Bird Management for Australian Horticulture (AS24007) 

AS24007 is evaluating emerging technologies - such as a drone that mimics a natural bird predator - to reduce crop losses caused by birds, bats and other wildlife, which cost Australian horticulture an estimated $300 million annually. High-value crops like cherries, almonds, apples, and strawberries are especially vulnerable during ripening. 

The project will assess individual and combined deterrent technologies, develop best-practice guidelines, and define pathways to commercial application. It aims to deliver scalable, environmentally friendly solutions that comply with wildlife protection laws and animal ethics standards. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to science-backed, practical tools that reduce wildlife damage, improve yields, and support sustainable, profitable production. There is further opportunity to broaden this to other sectors in time to ensure more growers gain access to the technology. 

Albedo breakdown prediction (CT23003) 

CT23003 is developing a predictive model to help citrus growers assess and manage the risk of albedo breakdown - a condition that lowers fruit quality and increases spoilage. Led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, the project is analysing historical weather data, forecasts, and agricultural practices to identify key risk factors. 

The outcome will be a grower-friendly tool and guide that supports informed decision-making around disease management, with the potential to improve pack-out percentages and overall profitability. 

Why it matters: Growers gain a practical tool to forecast albedo breakdown risk, reduce losses, and enhance citrus quality and value. 

Accelerating early access to emerging tech for vegetable growers (MT24013) 

Supported by the Vegetable and Onion levies, MT24013 is fast-tracking AgTech adoption by giving vegetable growers - including onions, sweetpotato and potato - real-world access to emerging technologies across field production, protected cropping, and the supply chain. Delivered by Queensland Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Cussons Media, AusAgriTech and AUSVEG, the project includes the Gatton AgTech Showcase (October 2025), two regional satellite events, and a digital technology catalogue. 

These initiatives are designed to help growers evaluate fit-for-purpose tools, reduce labour dependence, and boost productivity and sustainability. 

Why it matters: Growers get early access to practical innovations and decision support tools that can transform operations before making major investments. 

Advanced vegetable mechanisation program to maximise labour and cost efficiency (VG23003) 

VG23003 is boosting the adoption of advanced mechanisation technology in the Australian vegetable industry to address high input costs and labour challenges. Delivered by Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the program connects growers with cutting-edge equipment through field days, showcase events, international study tours, webinars, and demonstration sites. 

These activities provide both qualitative and quantitative data to help growers assess the efficiency benefits of mechanised solutions and make informed investment decisions. 

Why it matters: Growers gain direct access to global innovations and the insights needed to reduce costs, improve productivity, and stay competitive. 

Evaluating mechanical harvest solutions in Australia (VG24006) 

VG24006 is accelerating the adoption of mechanical harvesting technologies to help the Australian vegetable industry address rising labour shortages and costs. Delivered by Queensland Department of Primary Industries, the project connects international equipment manufacturers with local growers to ensure machinery is tailored to Australian production systems. 

Activities include regional field tours, workshops, and direct engagement to showcase the diversity of Australian vegetable farming. The project will also develop a harvesting technology roadmap and produce communication materials - such as podcasts, videos, and articles - to support informed decision-making. 

Collaboration with the Western Growers Association (USA) enables Australian growers to participate in global innovation discussions through an International Automated Harvesting Advisory Committee. 

Why it matters: Growers gain access to tailored harvesting solutions, global expertise, and practical resources to reduce labour reliance and improve efficiency.