In 2020-21, AgriFutures Australia rolled out a new pilot program called the Producer Technology Uptake Program. The aim is to work with groups of producers to practically support farmers, fishers and foresters to overcome known barriers to technology adoption on-farm or on-boat.
Further information about the program, can be found at here or by contacting AgriFutures via email at programs@agrifutures.com.au.
Following the overwhelming success of the pilot, an additional round of applications is now open.
Applications are sought from producer groups who wish to apply to participate in the program. There are two intakes for this round—December 2021 or April 2022. Only one application process will be undertaken, but producer groups can nominate which start date works best for their group. This staggered start date is designed to take into account seasonal workloads and availability of producers to participate in program activities.
Producer groups can apply for up to $20,000 (ex GST) to deliver a twelve-month program of activities that support members to adopt technology on-farm or on-boat. Successful grant recipients will also have access to an online resource hub and capacity building workshop to support producers in their group to start or continue their technology adoption journey.
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 producers overwhelmed with technology options, a lack of local support or advisory services, personal skills or knowledge around technology and its application, the value proposition or return on investment is not evident, and integration of technology across multiple systems, eg. software applications.
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 program provides three areas of benefit:
To ensure funding reaches as many groups as possible to support on-ground technology adoption, producer groups that have previously received funding under AgriFutures Australia’s Producer Technology Uptake Program will not be eligible to apply for Round 2.
If you have any questions about the requirements of this application, please contact programs@agrifutures.com.au
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