When a region decides to back itself
On Wednesday April 29, the Riverland came alive with exactly the kind of conversation that matters.
ICA was proud to sponsor Farming for the Future with Confidence in Berri — and from the moment doors opened at the Berri Hotel, the energy in the room told you something genuinely special was happening.
This wasn’t just another industry event. It was a space defined by collaboration and curiosity — growers asking hard, real questions, and experts from technology, law, finance, research, and government who were genuinely willing and able to help. That combination is rarer than it should be, and it made for something truly memorable.
What stood out on the day
The conversation kept coming back to the shift from practices to systems — learning to sense what’s happening on farm, decide what matters, and respond appropriately. As Richard Dodsworth from Innovation Central Adelaide put it: “How does the technology shift you make impact the markets you access?” Strategic, not reactive.
There was also a clear message woven through the day: technology should improve visibility, consistency, and context without replacing the farmer. For Riverland growers, that means smarter irrigation decisions, improved consistency across blocks, and stronger market access through data.
And perhaps most importantly, the day reinforced that confidence doesn’t come from certainty — it comes from better ways to decide. With the right tools, the right support networks, and the right questions being asked, growers don’t need to have all the answers. They just need to know where to find them.
A line-up built around real expertise and genuine care
The guest speaker line-up was outstanding — and what struck us immediately was how personally invested every single one of them was in the future of this region. Experts who clearly care deeply about the Riverland, speaking directly with honesty, generosity, and real enthusiasm for what’s possible here including:
- Laurence Howie — Fat Goose Fruits
- Ben Waddelow — Sunlands Jujubes
- Tom Hatcher — SWAN Systems
- Lloyd Wright — Rural Business Support
- Joseph John — Australia India Business Council
- Vinay Pagay — Adelaide University
- Varun Jacob — Promatas Group
- Anthony Grundel — Department of State Development
- Thara Namboothiri — FCL Lawyers
- Richard Dodsworth — Innovation Central Adelaide
What the day reflected
The breakout sessions, panel discussions, and Expo floor conversations made it clear that the Riverland isn’t waiting. Kathryn Anderson, with her signature facilitation style, generated robust discussion on innovation systems as roadmaps for action, and Bel Turner kept the engagement at our Expo booth buzzing. It’s a region asking smart questions, building real connections, and preparing for what comes next — when we work together.
The curiosity was genuine, the conversations were grounded, and the willingness to engage with complexity — financial, technological, and market-facing — spoke to a community actively preparing for what comes next.
A big thank you to Sanoop Varughese from CCW Co-op, whose vision and determination brought this event to life. To Varun Jacob, Director of Promasecure, for the invitation to collaborate. And to the Berri Hotel for providing a superb setting and attentive support throughout the day. Events like this don’t happen without people who care deeply about their community — and it showed in every corner of the room.
For ICA, the day has only deepened our excitement about what comes next. The project opportunities are real, the people are exceptional, and we look forward to playing our part in shaping what the Riverland’s future looks like.
ICA supports farmers in testing, adopting, and applying digital solutions that improve on-farm decision-making. To find out how we can help your operation, get in touch with us today.
