Food sustains life. It is the lynchpin of living. But in an era of extreme weather depleting crop yields and rising global populations driving demand for produce, the need for smarter agricultural technologies to ensure reliable food supplies is more crucial than ever.
AgTech in action
In our current system, agriculture needs to become more efficient, both in production and distribution. To achieve this, investments in technology and innovation across the agribusiness sector are essential.
Those who invest will gain exposure to a burgeoning industry that is becoming increasingly vital for people’s wellbeing and in doing so, bring new meaning to what a diversified portfolio could look like.
What then are the central drivers behind innovation in AgTech? At a basic level, it’s the development of tools and processes striving to increase agricultural yields while reducing dependence on optimal weather conditions.
AgTech can mitigate risks associated with climate, pest infestations and disease outbreaks. Predictive analytics, protected cropping (such as glasshouses) and real-time data allow farmers to make informed decisions, reducing the potential for crop failures and financial losses.
Leveraging the benefits of innovation
Protected cropping via high tech glasshouses and greenhouses is the cutting edge of innovation.
Did you know, Centuria is the largest owner of high-tech glasshouse assets in Australia? Such assets not only provide the ability to grow a wider variety of crops, but they also employ a range of technologies to increase yield and promote year-round farming through innovations like:
- Coloured LED lighting to extend growing times and enhance plant life
- Climate control technology to promote optimal growing conditions with protection from climate, pest and quality risks
- Little or no-soil systems reducing water usage and exposure to soil borne pests and disease
- Light diffusing glass panels which evenly distribute the available light, increasing crop yields by up to 15 percent when compared to standard glass.
Why Australian AgTech makes a smart property investment
Investing in Australian AgTech offers a unique opportunity to benefit from the booming global demand for reliable food sources.
Agriculture can provide access to high-quality investment opportunities that provide both income and capital growth potential in a rapidly evolving sector.
This evolution of, and innovation within, the agriculture sector is also enhanced by Australia’s:
- Longstanding reputation for quality produce, exacting production standards, stringent biosecurity and traceability systems, and low sovereign risk.
- Culture of technical innovation amid government prioritisations.
- Regional proximity to Asia, with its fast-growing population and changing consumer patterns.
While agriculture is a huge sector, one accessible option for investors might be an unlisted property fund, particularly one that focuses on high-quality fresh food production.
For more information, visit: centuria.com.au