Deadline: 22-Apr-21
The AgriFutures Australia is inviting proposals for the Producer Technology Uptake Program to work with existing producer networks, who know and understand the needs of producers in their region as well as producer maturity in terms of digital literacy and capacity for technology uptake.
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 pilot program is focused on delivering practical support, knowledge and capacity, to farmers, fishers and foresters, to adopt technology solutions in their business. The program will achieve this through three deliverables:
- Online information hub:
- Access to an online hub of information specifically designed for producers who want to get involved in technology adoption but do not know where to start. The hub aims to demystify the language around technology adoption and provide helpful tools and resources to start producers on their agtech adoption journey.
- The hub will also feature case studies, tools, guides and links to useful information.
- Producer technology workshops:
- Successful grant recipients will have access to a bespoke Producer Technology Adoption workshop to be delivered by trained experts, experienced in working with farmers to plan their technology needs and develop practical steps to implementation.
- Groups will have the opportunity to tailor content to their specific level of maturity and identified need.
- Producer group grants:
- Eligible producer groups can apply for up to $20,000 to build a practical technology uptake program targeting producers. Successful grant recipients will get access to the workshops automatically.
- Grants are available to develop tailored opportunities to complement the workshop, encourage ongoing implementation and ensure that activity doesn’t end at the completion of the workshop.
Funding Information
- In addition to having access to an online technology adoption hub and delivering a tailored workshop, eligible producer groups can apply for up to $20,000 to develop a bespoke program to specifically support producers in their group to start or continue 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.
Who is the program targeting?
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. They know that there are a range of barriers to on-farm technology adoption, including:
- Producers overwhelmed with options;
- Lack of local support or advisory services;
- Lack of individual skills or knowledge around technology and its application;
- The value proposition or return on investment is not clear, and
- Integration of technology across multiple systems, eg. software applications.
Eligibility Criteria
If you answer ‘yes’ to the following criteria, then you are eligible to apply:
- Is your organisation based in Australia?
- Does your group represent producer members (farmers, fishers or foresters)?
- Are you currently registered with an ABN?
- Does your group have at least 10 producers committed to participating in the program?
- Does your group have experience in managing grants, including financial and reporting systems?
- Would participation in the program genuinely benefit producers in your group?
For more information, visit https://www.agrifutures.com.au/national-rural-issues/producer-technology-uptake-program/