13 March 2025

Drone demonstration part of Griffith Agtech brunch for citrus growers

| Oliver Jacques
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Citrus growers are expected to learn from the Agtech brunch.

Citrus growers are expected to learn from the Agtech brunch. Photo: Supplied.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) will host an Agtech brunch event on Tuesday 18 March for orange growers at the new Griffith Citrus Centre of Excellence.

This event, which includes a drone demonstration, is intended to provide insights into the world of Agtech, and how it can improve the management of citrus farms.

NSW DPIRD Agtech Specialist Sarah Groat said the event provided a great opportunity for growers to network and share practical tips and strategies aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of their orchards.

“Attending this event is a great chance for growers to connect with industry experts and each other while learning about the latest in agricultural technology,” Ms Groat said.

“We’re excited to bring these opportunities to growers in the Riverina region and look forward to seeing how these insights can translate into increased productivity and sustainability on their farms.”

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At the event, growers will enjoy a complimentary brunch while networking with fellow citrus growers and industry experts. The program includes the following:

  • Agtech supplier presentations to discover what’s new and how technology is solving on-farm problems.
  • Justin Vardanega of Local Land Services (LLS) on the future of working with RapidAIM Traps and fruit fly
  • Brett Orwin of Schedule-IT, providing irrigation insights from technology using a soil pit
  • Agricultural intelligence company Stevtech will provide a drone demonstration.

The event is part of the department’s Farms of the Future program, which is aimed at enhancing digital skills in farming, promoting the use of physical IT devices to boost productivity and sustainability.

Ms Groat said the program was designed to support farmers in adopting Agtech and enhancing connectivity across their farms.

“The Farms of the Future program helps demonstrate the real-world application of Agtech solutions for citrus growers across NSW,” Ms Groat said.

“Agricultural technology offers a sustainable way to maximise orchard efficiency, improve irrigation scheduling, and increase long-term profitability.

“Expert-led insights will equip growers with practical tools and strategies to overcome on-farm challenges effectively.

“We hope events like this will encourage growers to embrace Agtech and implement it on their properties.”

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The NSW government’s $300,000 Citrus Centre of Excellence, which opened in Griffith in 2022, houses the latest technology and research to assist the industry realise its full potential and compete in additional markets. The centre’s goal is to assist citrus and grape producers in refining their management systems and practices in order to obtain the best possible results.

The Agtech for Brunch event will take place at the Griffith Citrus Centre of Excellence, 200 Murray Road, Griffith on Tuesday 18 March, from 9 am to 11:30 am. To register, visit Agtech for Brunch.

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