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Farmers, AgTech innovators and industry stakeholders in Queensland’s agricultural sector are being encouraged to take part in the first-ever First Nations-led AgTech showcase being held in Cairns on 10-11 February 2025, with expressions of interest now open.
The Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, facilitated by the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) in collaboration with key partners, will explore the intersection of traditional knowledge and cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
The showcase aims to highlight groundbreaking First Nations initiatives and demonstrate how the fusion of traditional practices with modern AgTech can drive sustainable advancements across the sector.
TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps said the Millennia of Ag-Innovation event, which is being funded by AgriFutures Australia, is part of a larger effort to spotlight First Nations innovation and collaboration within the industry.
“With a program covering livestock, cropping, and aquaculture, the event offers valuable opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth for both farmers and AgTech developers alike.”
The event will feature live AgTech showcases and installations and interactive workshops, culminating in a cultural evening hosted by Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services and BushTukkaWoman, Samantha Martin with a traditional dinner and performance by the Gimuy Yidinji tribe.
Attendees will also explore Indigenous-led innovations at the Rainstick facility, a networking breakfast at James Cook University’s Ideas Lab, and demonstrations of TEKFARM’s cutting-edge on-farm deployments across the Cairns Hinterland.
The event is part of a pre-tour for evokeAG, the Asia-Pacific’s premier agricultural and food technology event, taking place in Brisbane on 18-19 February 2025.
Rainstick co-founder Darryl Lyons highlighted the significance of the Cairns-based showcase in attracting national delegates to Tropical North Queensland.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to welcome both national and international delegates and showcase the breadth of what Far North Queensland has to offer, including world-leading technology inspired by First Nations innovation.”
Professor Phelps noted that there are still opportunities to get involved with the event, whether as a presenter, sponsor, or attendee.
“We’re encouraging anyone interested in contributing to this one-of-a-kind event to consider the various ways you can get involved,” he said.
“Whether you’re looking to be a speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, or simply attend, it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and showcase the remarkable Indigenous innovation happening in Tropical North Queensland.”
Find out more about Milliennia of Ag Innovation.
EOI for sponsorship, exhibitors, and speakers is now open. Please submit your details via the form provided or contact Tony Matchett (TNQ Drought Hub): tony.matchett@jcu.edu.au | 0438 482 728
Millennia of Ag Innovation is the result of a collaboration between Farmers2Founders, TNQ Drought Hub, Local Indigenous Food Enterprise Services (LIFES), and Rainstick, with the event proudly supported by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of its Support Regional Trade Events Program.
