The future of autonomous (driverless) farm machinery in Australian broadacre farming depends not only on technology, but also on trust, safety and readiness. That’s where the Code of Practice for Agricultural Mobile Field Machinery with Autonomous Functions in Australia comes in, and SPAA is proud to be part of this critical initiative.
An independent national survey of Australian grain producers has highlighted key concerns around the affordability and adoption of fully autonomous machinery. Barriers such as digital connectivity and operational safety remain front of mind for growers.
To address these concerns, the Code of Practice provides a proactive framework to support the safe, effective, and responsible rollout of autonomous machinery in Australian agriculture. The Code is an industry-led response to ensure these technologies are introduced in a way that supports productivity while managing risk.
The Code offers practical guidance for:
Mobile agricultural machinery with semi-autonomous and fully autonomous functions
Developing and evaluating safe work procedures for operating such machinery
Supporting tasks such as planting, spraying, fertilising, and harvesting in grain production
Developed with extensive input from Australian grain producers, manufacturers, and technical experts from Australia, the US, and EU, the Code reflects global best practice tailored to local needs.
SPAA is a proud partner in the development of this Code alongside Grain Producers Australia (GPA) and the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA). Our shared goal is to give industry ownership of this framework, ensuring those who use the technology are at the heart of how it is implemented.
This collaboration has now evolved into a three-year industry-led program that supports adoption and education across the sector.
The project has been led by farm technology expert Dr Rohan Rainbow, using the Western Australian Government’s mining code of practice as a foundation for safe autonomous operations.
We invite growers, manufacturers, service providers, and stakeholders to explore the Code and consider how it can support the future of autonomous machinery in your business.
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