Agriculture 4.0 as a way forward to sustainable agriculture in Australia

BackgroundAgriculture in Australia faces significant challenges driven by climate change, including extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, biodiversity loss and declining productivity. These pressures demand innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. This review explores the potential of Agriculture 4.0 technologies, encompassing precision farming, Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and smart systems, in enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in Australia. It examines how these technologies can improve resource efficiency, facilitate adaptation to environmental challenges and ensure long-term productivity.ResultsA systematic search of the Scopus database was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024, using keywords such as 'Agriculture 4.0', 'digital agriculture' and 'smart agriculture'. Only studies affiliated with Australia and published in English within the agricultural sciences were included. A total of 147 articles were reviewed, focusing on case studies, technological trends, and the adoption of Agriculture 4.0 practices. The review identifies successful case studies demonstrating the implementation of these technologies in Australian agriculture, highlighting significant improvements in resource efficiency and climate resilience. However, it also outlines critical barriers to widespread adoption, including technological, social, economic and environmental challenges. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are necessary to address these barriers and accelerate the transition towards sustainable agricultural systems.ConclusionThis review highlights the transformative potential of Agriculture 4.0 in mitigating climate-related challenges, improving food security and promoting environmental sustainability, ultimately supporting a more resilient and sustainable future for Australian agriculture.