Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has welcomed the addition of an international centre for ag-tech research and innovation to regional NSW’s backyard, set to deliver results for our primary producers.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair this week officially opened the Global Ag-Tech Ecosystem (GATE) in Orange.
“How wonderful that this world-class resource is located in the country, where it belongs, and so close to our electorate of Cootamundra.”
“I’m encouraging all of our ag innovators and producers to get on board, embrace technology and make the most of a globally significant resource right at our doorstep.”
Ms Cooke said ag-tech entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations from around the world will benefit from this one-stop-shop which will fast-track research and development on the path to commercialisation.
“This is yet another example of the NSW Government investing in our regional communities and building on the strength of our state’s research vision and expertise,” she added.
Over the next five years, the NSW Government will commit up to $6 million towards the GATE, which will continue to establish NSW as a world leader in agricultural innovation and production.
There are already companies and start-ups from the United States, United Kingdom, Norway and Australia seeking to develop products by utilising the GATE.
Projects on the table include the development of systems that better predict seasonal conditions and the use of scent measurement to identify early stage pregnancy in cattle.
GATE participants will get expert advice and assistance to start up their business, produce proof-of-concept for new entrants, scale up prototypes ready for production and commercialise final products.
The GATE is a partnership between the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and SparkLabs Cultiv8.
