Potato mechanisation
About project
Project partners
Hort Innovation
Duration
2026-2028
Summary
New technologies such as autonomous tractors, AI-powered sprayers, optical grading systems and precision planters could help the Australian potato industry reduce labour, lower input costs and improve productivity.
The Mechanisation R&D and demonstration for the Australian Potato Industry project, led by Applied Horticultural Research (AHR), will identify promising near-commercial technologies and test how they perform under real-world Australian conditions.
Working with the PotatoLink and Next Gen Weed Management teams, the project will consult with industry to identify priority areas for mechanisation and automation. Technologies will then be evaluated across six to 10 commercial farms in Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria, representing different production systems, soils and market sectors.
Trials will assess technical performance, including productivity, quality, reliability and labour requirements, as well as how technologies fit into existing farm systems.
Importantly, the project will also assess the economics of each technology, including costs, potential savings, payback periods and return on investment.
Field demonstrations will give growers the opportunity to see technologies operating under Australian conditions and explore their potential for their own businesses. Findings and demonstration opportunities will be shared through PotatoLink and other industry channels.
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