Rather than nominating preferred or approved technology providers, the scheme puts farmers in control and encourages them to consider all digital agriculture technologies available to improve productivity and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
AgTech innovators have joined forces with rural connectivity company Zetifi to help Victorian farmers understand the benefits of on-farm digital technologies, prior to submitting their grant application.
The companies involved include, AGI Suretrack, Aerobotics, AgriDigital, AgriWebb, Agworld, Autonomous Pivot, Black Box Co, CropX, DataFarming, DataMars Livestock, DJI Drones, Farmbot, Farmlab, Gallagher, Goanna Ag, MaiaGrazing, Metos, Mobble, Myriota, Optiweigh, PairTree, Proagrica, Shearwell Australia, Smart Paddock, SwarmFarm Robotics, Telesense, Tie Up Farming, Toustone, Yabby Sensors and Zetifi.
A webinar and website featuring a diverse range of these AgTech suppliers will demystify the technology landscape and streamline the process of gathering information from multiple solution providers as farmers research their options in preparation for submitting an application for between $5,000 and $50,000 in matched funding.
Chief executive officer of Zetifi, Dan Winson said we have organised the webinar and registration page as an easy starting point for farmers to learn more about the possibilities of digital AgTech, so they can consider which technologies might be relevant to them before they submit their application.
"Poor connectivity is often cited as a barrier to AgTech adoption, so it made sense for Zetifi to take the lead. Our Wi-Fi networks address the connectivity issues faced by many people in rural and remote areas and provide the foundation for implementing digital agriculture right across a farm," Winson said.
The $10 million Victorian Government initiative enables individual farmers to modernise their farming practices through co-contribution grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for investments in eligible on-farm digital technologies.
Application for funding is being assessed by Rural Finance on behalf of Agriculture Victoria and will close on 31 October 2021 or when funds are fully allocated.
"Technology is more powerful when combined with other technologies. By collaborating with the leading software providers, sensor companies and the EID industry we're hoping to make it easier for producers to find the right mix of technologies for their operation," Winson said.
To register for the AgTech showcase webinar at 4:00pm Thursday 15 July or to request more information from Zetifi or any of the participating AgTech companies, visit https://zetifi.com/
