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.