$30 million fund to accelerate AgTech innovation across Queensland

The Queensland Government has launched a $30 million investment aimed at fast-tracking innovation and technology development across the state's agriculture sector, delivering on a key election commitment.

The newly established Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund is Queensland's first dedicated agricultural innovation fund, designed to support businesses developing cutting-edge technologies for primary industries. The initiative will focus on improving on-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability, while helping the sector grow to a targeted value of $30 billion by 2030.

The fund will back commercially viable projects and leverage the investment expertise of the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) to help promising ideas move from concept to real-world application. It is also expected to attract additional private investment into the state's growing AgTech sector.

The Queensland Government says the initiative is a central part of its long-term plan for the state, aimed at strengthening primary industries and ensuring Queensland remains globally competitive.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett described the fund as a "game changer" that would help bring the next generation of agricultural technology onto farms sooner.

He said while Queensland already had strong innovation capability, the sector needed better pathways to commercialise ideas and increased investment in practical solutions.

Treasurer David Janetzki said the fund demonstrated a new approach to investment, targeting opportunities that would strengthen value chains and enhance Queensland's global reputation for agricultural innovation.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates added that the initiative would help farmers and producers stay at the forefront of technology, boost exports and support long-term industry growth.

Industry groups have welcomed the announcement. National Farmers' Federation President Hamish McIntyre said the investment would help translate research and technology into practical outcomes for farmers, improving efficiency, sustainability and safety.

Queensland Farmers' Federation CEO Jo Sheppard said accelerating innovation from the lab to the paddock was essential to maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market, while also supporting regional economies and sustainable growth.

Businesses interested in accessing the fund can submit information through the QIC website for consideration.