Building on the success of the March 2021 pilot, AgriFutures Australia is offering producer groups who represent farmers, fishers and foresters funding to adopt technology solutions within their business.
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Grants of up to $20,000 are available through a competitive selection process to deliver activities that specifically address known barriers to technology adoption identified by the group.
A range of activities are eligible, with programs delivered over 12 months.
Under this national program, eligible groups from every state and territory are encouraged to apply.
This year AgriFutures Australia are widening the criteria to include industry groups that have pre existing extension and capacity building functions for producers on the ground.
The stipulation is that groups must not have previously received funding through the pilot round of this AgriFutures program, and have at least 10 producers committed to participating in the activity.
AgriFutures Australia manager of innovation, Ulicia Raufers said the program has already successfully led to increased technology adoption among participating groups and individuals.
"In 2021, around 400 producers across 20 groups took part in the pilot," she said.
"We have already seen first hand the huge leaps they have made in not only adopting technology but also in building capacity and confidence across their region's producer network to look for new solutions.
"We are really proud to support producers on-the-ground to understand what opportunities exist and to help them overcome common barriers to adoption.
"Many groups have said they wouldn't have taken the leap without the funding or resources offered."
A key part of the program delivery is a capacity building workshop offered as part of each grant, providing participants with practical information and tools to develop a farm tech plan that matches their problems with known technology solutions.
As part of building the plan, producers explore gaps in know-how, capital or expertise for adoption
"Linking the capacity building and planning elements with practical group-led activities and peer-to peer learning are critical ingredients to driving impact around technology adoption," Ms Raufers said.
There will be two intakes on offer for this round of the Producer Technology Uptake Program, with projects commencing in either December 2021 or April 2022.
All interested applicants are required to apply by November 10th, 2021, indicating in the application their preferred intake year.
- Visit: www.agrifutures.com.au/national-rural-issues/producer-technology-uptake-program/
