P.PSH.1393 - MLA and Ag Tech conceptual partnership to bring technological solutions to MLA members

Summary

The investment goal for this project was to develop and trial a global Open Innovation model aimed to source, develop, deploy, evaluate (and drive the adoption of) Digital Agriculture solutions that solve real producer problems and support the creation of a data culture for the Australian red meat industry.

Objectives

The primary goal of the program was to encourage the use of digital technologies, while also creating a collaborative ecosystem. Its specific objectives included promoting digital agriculture solutions, nurturing a data-driven culture, encouraging open innovation without commercial interests, organising events and demonstrations at the AATLIS 'smart farm’, facilitating Industry 4.0 adoption, and increasing the use of ag-tech by establishing an innovation pipeline for managing livestock challenges.

Key findings

The project accelerated MLA’s innovation agenda, aligning industry stakeholders such as farmers with MLA team members, innovators, and government agencies.

The collaborative methodology resulted in an increased awareness of digital technologies and encouraged the active adoption of solutions at and beyond the product demonstration days.

The project found that reliable technological solutions exist in areas like crop and pasture management and livestock transport, with post-demonstration day engagements continuing between MLA team members and their levy payers.

Over 18 months, the program engaged over 780 stakeholders, providing MLA with direct access to levy payers and facilitating industry progress. Clear challenge definitions fostered internal alignment among MLA departments, resulting in tailored products that directly address levy payers' needs and benefit the industry as a whole.

Throughout the three sprints, we received and reviewed 45 applications against specific criteria, with 20 advancing to the demonstration stage. It is noted there's a need for further development of post-demonstration programs to facilitate broader and more timely adoption.

Benefits to industry

The ATLH program had a significant impact on the Australian red meat industry, fostering collaboration and driving innovation through increased digital connectivity and on-farm engagements.
• It increased digital connectivity for producers through on-farm engagements.
• Hub-to-farm tours provided insights for better-designed technologies.
• Corporate technology providers and regulators improved accessibility to cutting-edge solutions.
• It highlighted areas for future research to address evolving challenges.
• It validated industry readiness for innovation through events and programs.
• It positioned industry for growth and global competitiveness while meeting consumer demands.
• Its commitment to advancing industry standards enhanced sector resilience and market access.

MLA action

• MLA should seek to establish post-demonstration day pilot programs to further extend the adoption of promising technology within industry. The pilot program can establish application criteria, and its inclusion would increase the innovation response from the global market.
• MLA is encouraged to participate in the ATLH’s commercial programs that assist in scaling solutions directly with the industry using our extensive ecosystem of resources and capability.
• ATLH proposes hosting an annual technology demonstration event with MLA to showcase industry advancements and promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Future research

This program has enabled industry challenges to be identified and for MLA to work closely with industry on innovative solutions. As such, we recommend this program be continued with direct levy payer engagement.