With exciting trials underway by collaborators tenanted at the Bundaberg AgTech Hub, a new coordinator has been appointed to foster AgTech business development opportunities in the region.
Regional Business HQ has been selected for the 12-month role of AgTech Hub Ecosystem Development Coordinator which will see their Generator Community Manager Daniel Baldry deliver activities for the promotion and advancement of the local agriculture industry through technology and innovation.
Since the hub was established in its former Bargara service centre, Council has joined forces with a range of partners to develop a sustainable national Ag-tech hub, or centre of excellence, which is now home to a number of industry experts.
This new role is part of Council’s latest partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Executive Director of Strategic Projects and Economic Development Ben Artup said the development of an AgTech industry within the Bundaberg Region was one of Council's advocacy priorities.
“We are a recognised food bowl for Australia and the world and many of our farmers, through innovation, are finding themselves at the leading edge of their industry,” he said.
“The introduction of an AgTech Hub Ecosystem Development Coordinator aims to ensure our farmers and researchers participating in trials and developing ideas through the hub are supported.
“This will help us to achieve our goal to build a strong, resilient and competitive local economy.”
Mr Artup said Bundaberg’s agricultural vision was to become one of the most connected, productive and intelligent agriculture regions in Australia.
“Our Wide Bay region is one of the largest and most diverse agricultural production areas, employing over 8500 people,” he said.
“This new position will foster and drive the business development and commercialisation activities of the Bundaberg AgTech Hub and further promote all of the wonderful things already underway.”
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Jason Keating agreed and said the role would assist greatly in supporting the agribusiness sector.
“We are committed to supporting agribusinesses to transform, in a time of great digital disruption, to be agile, economically and environmentally sustainable and resilient,” he said.
“This is a great example of how we are working together to pursue opportunities and address challenges while creating a strong and resilient agribusiness sector.”
Daniel Baldry brings 20-year industry knowledge to new position
Daniel Baldry is a Bundaberg local with strong connections to the regional agricultural sector.
Coming from a 20-year career with Telstra, Mr Baldry said he was thrilled to be able to bring his knowledge in technology and innovation to the hub.
His position will not only contribute to the advancement of the regional AgTech ecosystem, it will also lay the foundations of a sustainable, long-term, commercial value proposition for the Hub.
Mr Baldry's role will see him working collaboratively with AgTech stakeholders to adapt and adopt new technology, facilitate education, training, business development and more.
“This is an awesome opportunity for our region and will assist in embedding the future of technology into our agricultural industry, all in the one collaborative space,” he said.
“Bundaberg is already doing so many great things in AgTech, we just need to promote it and leverage what is happening here.”
Mr Baldry said there were already ideas in the works on how to further promote AgTech to the region and beyond.
“We can do this by establishing connections with other producers, taking on new activities such as trade shows, mini conferences and much more,” he said.
“My role is about helping to enhance the great things already happening in AgTech while putting Bundy on the map on a global scale.”
The Bundaberg AgTech Hub is located at 160 Hughes Road, Bargara.
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