CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) unveils the Pest READI toolkit, a suite of digital tools costing the sector $3 billion annually, designed to assist fruit and vegetable growers in Australia with pest and disease management. This $12 million project over five years, developed in collaboration with farmers, aims to reduce reliance on chemicals and bolster beneficial insect populations while providing personalized advice through artificial intelligence.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "CSIRO - New digital toolkit to tackle pest management" - 3 June 2026
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The Queensland government has announced the launch of a $30 million fund, the Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund, aimed at supporting technological innovations in agriculture. This fund, managed in partnership with the Queensland Investment Corporation, seeks to enhance productivity and profitability in the state's primary industries, with an ambitious goal of reaching a production value of $30 billion by 2030.
SEPEHR ACHARD, Source: Igronews, published under the title "Queensland Government Launches $30 Million Sowing the Seeds ..." - 28 April 2026
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Adama Ltd. announces the launch of Marathon®, an innovative herbicide based on pyrasulfotole, aimed at cereal producers in Australia for the 2026 season. This product, which incorporates advanced formulation technology, promises effective weed control while facilitating mixture management and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "ADAMA introduces its first Pyrasulfotole-based product with ..." - 28 April 2026
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BASF has launched Liberty® ULTRA in Australia, a major advancement in herbicides, incorporating GLU-L™ technology for improved weed control and enhanced crop safety. This new glufosinate-based formulation, tested for Australian conditions, allows for reduced application rates and simplified handling, while providing three times greater absorption of the active ingredient. Registered by the APVMA, it is now available to farmers across the country.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Australia - BASF launches Liberty® ULTRA, a new glufosinate ..." - 23 April 2026
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On a farm in Scaddan, Australia, farmer Karl Raszyk and operations manager Tom Miles have chosen the autonomous robot Joe, capable of precisely spraying summer weeds. This technology not only reduces herbicide use, labor and equipment costs, and fuel consumption, but also optimizes weeding efficiency through continuous monitoring of weather conditions. Joe represents a significant advancement in the automation of agricultural practices, with potential applications in precision farming.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Tireless robot Joe takes the pressure off summer weed sprayi..." - 24 March 2026
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The Australian scientific agency CSIRO and partners from the Quad group (U.S., India, Japan, and Australia) are developing artificial intelligence projects to assist farmers in managing crops and pests in a changing climate. These initiatives aim to create practical tools, such as mobile applications and disease detection systems, to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems across the region. By fostering collaboration among nations, this initiative addresses common agricultural challenges while supporting food security.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "CSIRO supports AI projects for future-ready agriculture unde..." - 16 February 2026
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The Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulator has issued a license for the genetically modified tomato that produces natural purple pigments. This tomato, which can be grown across Australia, has been deemed safe for health and the environment. However, its commercialization as food requires additional approval, and it will be subject to mandatory labeling as a GM product.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Australia approves commercial release of GM purple tomato" - 12 February 2026
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The Australian start-up Azaneo is innovating with electroporation technology for weed control, aiming to reduce the use of chemical herbicides. By using electric pulses to destroy plant cells, Azaneo offers a quick and energy-efficient solution that adapts to climatic conditions. With tests planned on several farms, the company hopes to attract farmers with an economical and effective alternative to weeding challenges.
Jennifer Marston, Source: Agfundernews, published under the title "Azaneo bets electroportation can outpace herbicides on weed ..." - 5 February 2026
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In September 2024, amendments to the Gene Technology Act 2000 were proposed to enhance the responsiveness of the National Gene Technology Scheme. These changes require amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001, and a consultation document has been made available to gather stakeholder feedback. Submissions are open until March 1, 2026.
Source: Agropages, published under the title "Australia - Consultation on the proposed amendments to the G..." - 19 January 2026
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