Pictured, from left: Assoc Prof Sophia Duan, Assoc Dean, Research and Industry Engagement; Nitish Anand, Senior Manager, Business Development (Industry Engagement); The Hon. John Brumby AO, La Trobe University Chancellor; Prof David A. Fleming-Muñoz, Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics, La Trobe Business School; Veronica Borrett, Senior Director, LISAF; Andrea Gallo, Research & Operations Manager.
La Trobe University’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to driving innovation in agriculture. With researchers and Industry team members actively engaging on the ground and participation in key program events, the University showcased its role as a leader in agricultural research and industry collaboration.
A Focus on Climate and AI
La Trobe’s contribution to two key sessions addressed critical challenges in agriculture. Session recordings coming soon!
Managing Agriculture’s Most Important, Least Reliable Business Partner: Climate
University Chancellor The Hon. John Brumby AO joined this panel session to explore the complex interplay between climate volatility and agriculture. The panel brought together diverse perspectives, from multi-generational producers to climate scientists and policy disruptors, to discuss how agritech, policy, and lived experience can help agriculture adapt and thrive in the face of extreme weather events.
Designing AI for Dirt, Data, and Decision-Making
Dr Sophia Duan, Associate Dean, Research and Industry Engagement and an Associate Professor at La Trobe Business School, represented La Trobe and delved into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating AI with human expertise and farm systems, addressing structural barriers to adoption, and leveraging Australia’s environmental diversity as a strategic advantage for globally robust agricultural AI.
La Trobe’s Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
La Trobe University’s impact in agriculture is driven by a focus on sustainability, food security, and profitability. Initiatives include AI-driven smart irrigation, advanced protected cropping systems, natural capital accounting, ‘Wizards’ protecting wine from smoke taint, and participation in the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. La Trobe is also a key partner in the national Protected Cropping Hub and is establishing a new $27 million research centre to strengthen Australia’s food and medicinal protected cropping industries. Through these collaborations, the University is working with industry to redefine the future of farming.
At the heart of this work is the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF), which, in collaboration with industry partners, is improving crop quality, enhancing medicinal agriculture, and developing "paddock to gut" solutions. These efforts contribute directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing critical challenges like zero hunger and climate resilience.
Looking Ahead
As evokeAG 2026 draws to a close, the knowledge and technology shared throughout the event, together with the University’s continuing commitment to advancing innovation, research and collaborations, will shape how the sector evolves in Australia and internationally.
Interested in collaborating with La Trobe University on agricultural innovation initiatives? Reach out to industry.engagement@latrobe.edu.au
Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for agriculture.
