A leading AgTech company based in Toowoomba, AGDATA, has been announced as Australia’s ‘Regional Online Hero’ for 2016 in a national competition run by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) and Google Australia.
With agriculture forecast to be Australia’s next $100 billion industry by 2030 and the value of AgTech estimated to reach US$189 billion by 2022, AGDATA is one of many regional businesses playing a key role in shaping our economic future.
AGDATA were commended for their innovative approach and use of digital platforms to boost farm production and output, helping to transform the agriculture industry in regional Australia.
Established on a family property in the 1980’s, AGDATA creates digital solutions for Aussie farmers – providing tools, data and knowledge to help business owners make more informed decisions and improve productivity. They now employ 20 staff and serve 22,000 customers.
“AGDATA is a true hero for regional Australia. By developing and distributing digital solutions specifically for regional areas, they’ve narrowed the divide between a traditional industry and technology, bringing the two together to help farmers achieve better agricultural output,” said RAI CEO, Jack Archer.
“This not only benefits regional communities through improved productivity and sustainability, but also boosts our national economic output,” Jack continued.
What does this win mean for AGDATA?
Small Business Minister and Nationals MP, the Hon Michael McCormack, said AGDATA is a perfect role model for other regional businesses to be inspired by and put their natural resilience and entrepreneurial spirits into action.
“It’s fantastic to see a regional business leading the way in digital innovation for agriculture, which is set to play a huge role in the future of our economy. AGDATA has grown from a small family startup to a valuable national asset, demonstrating just how important regional businesses are to our nation’s prosperity” said Mr McCormack.
The Regional Online Heroes competition is designed to recognise outstanding regional innovators, and to encourage small and medium sized businesses around the country to realise the potential of mobile and online technologies for growth.
Google Australia, Head of Small Business John Ball said the Regional Online Heroes competition showcases and supports regional businesses that are leading the way in digital innovation.
“Research suggests that digitally engaged small businesses are more likely to be growing, which is great news for jobs and local communities” Mr John Ball, Head of Small Business at Google Australia said.
AGDATA was selected from a competitive field of over 150 applicants by a panel of experts, including: the Hon Michael McCormack; founder of Birdsnest, Jane Cay; founder of Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Robert Ravens; the RAI CEO, Jack Archer; and Head of Small Business at Google Australia, John Ball.
The top ten finalists were flown to Google’s Sydney HQ on Monday 5 December for an exclusive masterclass where they were given new tools and learnt methods to help grow their businesses even further.
A full list of 2016 Regional Online Heroes Top Ten finalists are as follows:
- AGDATA Australia, Toowoomba, QLD
- Blackbooks Tea, Cairns, QLD
- Corporeal Health, Northam, WA
- Crowd Carnivore, Pambula, NSW
- George The Farmer, Penola, SA
- Local Farm Produce, Bundaberg, QLD
- Off The Track Training, Longreach, QLD
- Penny Evans Art, Lismore NSW
- Rabbit Hop Films, Moree, NSW
- Simply Rose Petals, Swan Hill, VIC
