AgriFutures Australia has developed an exciting new pilot program focused on supporting producers to increase the uptake and adoption of technology within their agriculture, fishing or forestry business. Digital technologies are critical to increased productivity through optimising input use, more timely decision-making, labour savings, and improved market access.
The program is designed to work with existing producer networks, who know and understand the needs of producers in their region as well as the maturity in terms of digital literacy and capacity for technology uptake.
In addition to having access to an online technology adoption hub and a workshop, eligible producer groups can apply for up to $20,000 (ex. GST) to develop a bespoke program to specifically support producers on their technology adoption journey.
The pilot will commence in the first half of 2021, initially involving up to 20 producer groups nationally. Projects are expected to run for no more than 12 months.
The program targets producers that are interested and willing to innovate and adopt technology, but may lack the knowledge, skills or experience to achieve it. We know that there are a range of barriers to on-farm adoption, including:
The program targets producers who may not have kicked off plans to adopt technology in their business but want to overcome some of these barriers to achieve it.
The pilot program provides three areas of benefit:
If you answer ‘yes’ to the following criteria, then you are eligible to apply.
A number of queries have been received regarding the definition of ‘producer group’ for the purpose of this grant. This grant is intended to fund groups to develop a technology adoption program on behalf of individual producers to help them understand their own business needs and to arm them with the information and knowledge they require to overcome adoption barriers e.g. digital literacy. The program is designed to be agnostic to one technology or solution. Submissions require the development of a program of activities that support individual businesses to increase their on-farm technology uptake.
Examples of producer group include:
Groups will also be required to demonstrate their experience and capacity to deliver their proposed program. If you are still unsure of your eligibility, please contact programs@agrifutures.com.au
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