Sydney University signs agrifood innovation agreement with FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the University of Sydney have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration on research, innovation and capacity development for more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

The partnership aims to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies that improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and resilience with a particular focus on smallholder farmers.

Under the agreement, FAO and the University of Sydney will collaborate to advance digital agriculture, artificial intelligence, smart farming, sustainable agricultural mechanisation, agricultural robotics, automation, electrification and climate-smart technologies. The partnership will also strengthen market-oriented capacity development to help smallholder farmers adopt innovative solutions and improve their livelihoods.

“The challenges we face on rising global food demand, increased efficiency and productivity require bold action and strong partnerships. The time to work together is now,” said Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General.

“The partnership with the University of Sydney is more than just an agreement. It is a symbol of our shared vision for a future where smart agricultural practices and the use of robotics, autonomous equipment and electrically powered machinery safeguard both the health of our planet and the wellbeing of all people.”

Professor Hesham El Gamal, Dean of Engineering at the University of Sydney, said the university was proud to partner with the FAO.

“Our research community is committed to developing scalable technologies — from autonomous systems to AI-enabled decision tools — that can directly support farmers, improve productivity and reduce environmental impact.”

Professor Salah Sukkarieh from the Australian Centre of Robotics, University of Sydney said:

“This MOU lets us take what we have proven in the field, in smart mechanisation, robotics and AI, and scale it with FAO across the regions that need it most.”

By combining FAO’s global reach with the University of Sydney’s expertise in engineering and agricultural innovation, the partners aim to translate scientific and technological advances into practical, scalable solutions that improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems worldwide.

Image caption: Professor Hesham El Gamal, Dean of Engineering, University of Sydney (left) with Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General (right) at the signing. Image credit: FAO