Key Takeaways
- The Queensland Crisafulli Government has launched the $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, described as Queensland’s first dedicated agricultural innovation fund, fulfilling a key election commitment.
- The fund will be managed in partnership with the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and is designed to back commercially viable innovations that improve productivity, resilience, and profitability across Queensland’s primary industries.
- The Queensland Government has set a target to increase the value of the state’s primary production to $30 billion by 2030, with the fund intended to accelerate the pathway from concept to on-farm application.
- The National Farmers’ Federation and Queensland Farmers’ Federation have both welcomed the fund, with NFF President Hamish McIntyre and QFF CEO Jo Sheppard each citing the need for stronger commercialisation pathways.
- Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett, Treasurer David Janetzki, and Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates each provided statements in support of the fund’s launch.
Queensland Government Launches $30 Million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund
The Queensland Crisafulli Government has launched the $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, described as the state’s first dedicated agricultural innovation fund. The fund is designed to support innovative businesses that develop technology for primary industries, with a focus on driving on-farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability.
The fund will be established in partnership with the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), which will apply commercial investment expertise to back agri-innovators across the state. It is intended to support commercially viable innovations that improve productivity, resilience, and profitability across Queensland’s primary industries, while also attracting additional private sector investment.
Fund Structure and Commercialisation Focus
According to the announcement, the fund aims to accelerate the commercialisation of agricultural technology by creating stronger pathways from concept to on-farm application. Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the fund was designed to address a commercialisation gap identified by industry.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from industry there’s no shortage of innovation in Queensland, but what’s needed is stronger commercialisation pathways, and greater investment in practical technologies and this election commitment delivers that,” said Tony Perrett, Minister for Primary Industries, Queensland.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the investment reflected the government’s focus on promising commercial opportunities in the agricultural sector.
“These targeted investments will not only strengthen Queensland’s primary industry value chains but also position our State’s long-term success including global recognition for its practical innovation,” said David Janetzki, Treasurer of Queensland.
$30 Billion Primary Production Target by 2030
The Queensland Government has set a target to increase the value of the state’s primary production to $30 billion by 2030. The Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund is positioned as a mechanism to support that goal by accelerating the adoption of new agricultural technologies. Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the government’s focus was on creating the conditions for innovative ideas to grow.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the investment our farmers and producers need to stay at the cutting edge, boost production and exports, and continue the vital work they do for Queenslanders,” said Ros Bates, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Queensland.
Queensland Government Fund Welcomed by Industry Groups
The National Farmers’ Federation and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation each issued statements welcoming the fund’s creation.
“Behind every apple we eat, every sandwich we make and every coffee we drink, farmers have embraced technology and research to produce tastier food, better fibre, more efficient practices, safer workplaces, and more sustainable farms. This practical farming focused investment by the Queensland Government will launch Australian agricultural technology to the world and result in home grown fit for purpose tech for Australian farmers,” said Hamish McIntyre, President, National Farmers’ Federation.
“It’s critical that we move practical innovations out of the lab and into the paddock, where they can deliver real productivity gains for Queensland producers. By accelerating on‑farm innovation, we strengthen regional economies, support sustainable growth and secure the future of Queensland’s agricultural industry,” said Jo Sheppard, CEO, Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
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