Producer Technology Uptake Program (Australia)

Deadline: 8-Apr-22

The AgriFutures Australia launched a pilot program called the Producer Technology Uptake Program. This program continues to work with farmers, fishers and foresters to overcome known barriers to technology adoption on-farm or on-boat.

The program is designed 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.

• The program targets producers that are interested and willing to research and 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
  • Integration of technology across multiple systems, e.g. 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 begin.
• The program is not designed for “early” technology adopters, ie. those that have developed skills and are already well-established technology users, but it is an asset to have their input as part of the program.

What is included?

The program provides three areas of benefit: 

• 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, although core components of the workshop remain the same across the delivery. The workshops are an essential part of the grant, more information is provided in the applicant guidelines.
• Producer group/Agricultural High School grants:
  • Eligible producer groups can apply for up to $20,000 to build a practical technology uptake program targeting producers. Further detail on what can and cannot be funded, is provided in the applicant guidelines. 
  • Eligible schools will have the opportunity to apply for up to $20,000 (excluding gst) to develop a bespoke activity or project that will build students capacity to learn, understand and incorporate technology on-farm.  In addition to the grant, successful Agricultural High Schools will also have access to an online technology adoption resource hub. Eligible schools are encouraged to discuss their application with AgriFutures Australia and consider what support mechanisms may be required for the activity or project roll-out.

Eligibility Criteria

If you answer ‘yes’ to the following criteria, then you are eligible to apply.

• Is your group based in Australia?
• Does your group represent producer members (farmers, fishers or foresters) or does your school have a designated agricultural department ?
• Are you currently registered with an ABN?
• Does your group have at least 10 producers or students committed to participating in the program
• Does your group or school have experience in managing grants, including financial and reporting systems
• Would participation in the program genuinely benefit producers or students in your group?
• Existing groups that currently deliver capacity building and on-farm extension activities, e.g. farming systems groups, grower groups etc.
•  Agribusinesses who have formed groups around their client base and can deliver technology adoption activities, e.g. agronomists, benchmarking groups.
•  Land care groups that deliver on-ground producer training and extension opportunities with an interest in producer technology adoption.
•  An industry group/association/organisation with a pre-existing extension arm that undertakes research and extension activities with producers.

Note: An Agricultural High School for the purpose of this grant is defined as a high school with a designated agricultural department.

For more information, visit AgriFutures Australia.

 

For more information, visit https://www.agrifutures.com.au/national-rural-issues/producer-technology-uptake-program/