Agricultural Innovation
Kim Ritman
Chief Scientist
ABARES
intra-ruminal
wireless
device for
methane
detection
Technology is part of innovation
• Innovation is the process that can lead to
the adoption of new or existing
– information
– technology
– practices
• Innovation includes factors affecting
demand and use
Crop growth
limits?
Market
forces
Maintain
productivity
growth
Increasing
input
costs
Water
availability
Staying
profitable
Why innovate?
Climate
change
Finite
land
Sustainable
natural
resources
Population
change &
growth
The innovation pipeline
Idea
Research
Development
Demonstration
marketing
collaboration
production
consultation
Bright
idea
Intellectual
property
Technology push
Adoption
partnerships
Funding
Registration
Better
mousetrap
Demand pull
GRDC Mission statement
“To invest in innovation for the greatest
benefit to its stakeholders.
This will be achieved by being a global
leader in linking science, technology and
commercialisation with industry and
community needs”
(GRDC annual report 2010).
Innovation funnel
Information & Technology
Remote
Sensing
Internet
GPS
GIS
Sensors
Variable Rate
Technology
Software/
Hardware
Integration
Automation &
Control Systems
Computers
Mobile & Wireless
Communications
Climate
forecasts
Agronomy
Guidance
Systems
Precision
Agriculture
Precision Agriculture – case study
An account from a Nuffield scholar
1995
Yield monitor
technology
available
“Hard to see
returns for
money but a
keen few but
persisted
2006
2011
GRDC
project
Economic study
shows gains
Promotion in other
regions to growers
Grower PA
assoc. formed
Workshops,
farmer teaching
farmer
400 members,
expos, e-news
etc.
2001
“Coloured maps
showing variation,
nothing converting
this to profit
“Allocate inputs to areas
that need them for
optimal yield and not
waste them in areas
where yield is always
limiting
Where are farmers sourcing
information?
Private consultants
Other farmers
Internet
Farm Journals
RDCs
Agricultural media
0
2
4
6
8
10
Survey respondents
12
14
What are farmers using?
The most adopted innovations:
• soil management
• crop management
• plant breeding
• precision agriculture
• integrated pest and weed management
• new machinery and automation
Combining technologies into practices
What are farmers considering?
• improvements in livestock and crops
• genetic modification as an important tool
• traits such as
– drought tolerance
– chemical resistance
– integrated pest management
• automation and mechanisation
• soil management and health
What are farmers wanting?
•
•
•
•
•
•
remote technologies
automation
integration of multiple technologies and data
sustainable management of natural resources
adapt to and mitigate climate change
measurement and economics of soil carbon
“Non-production” innovations
wanted
•
•
•
•
improved business management
increasing workforce capacity
marketing and value-adding to products
increased investment in R&D
Dryland innovations to 2030
GM crops
Harnessing GxExM
Value chain dividends
New commodities
Climate risk management
Canopy management
Precision agriculture
Dual purpose crops
Automation & robotics
ICT in agriculture
Output
F
C
A
GxExM
Genetics x
Environment x
Management
D
Soil biology
Farm rationalisation
Harness genetic
Efficient irrigated agriculture
variability targeted
at specific
environments
using adaptive
management
B
Source: Keating et al. (2010)
Risk
Innovations and the future
Opportunity to apply innovations to:
•
•
•
•
Increase efficiency in resource use
Minimise non-productive losses
Increase control of complex systems
Better balance environmental and economic
sustainability