The Farms of the Future program supports primary producers to adopt commercially available Agtech as well as on-farm connectivity solutions that underpin this technology. Assistance is through:
- training for farmers to build their technology skills
- options to manage the risk of purchasing technology through:
- primary producer grants that reduce the financial costs of technology
- improving the accessibility and quality of market information available about Agtech and connectivity solutions - creating strong support and advisory networks with staff located in key regions.
The overall objective is to support primary producers to realise the known benefits available from connectivity and Agtech, such as boosting productivity, increased competitiveness, improved workplace safety and more sustainable use of resources.
The program is funded through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
The program is delivered and administered through the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The program will run to 30 June 2028.
Agtech is the collective term for the tools and technologies – sensors, farm management software, imagery, and smart farm equipment – that enable best practice agriculture. In the case of the Farms of the Future program, it is focused on connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) based Agtech, which can support and integrate into a farm wide technology approach.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the collective network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between devices, the cloud, as well as the devices themselves. The Internet of Things integrates everyday ‘things’ with the internet.
Examples of farm IoT devices include:
- Fuel level monitors
- Water level sensors
- Security cameras
- Water flow sensors
- Pump and valve controls and monitors
- Livestock tags and in paddock weigh stations
- Location devices on farm machinery
- Gate movement sensors
Training
A one day in person or online training program designed to educate primary producers on the capabilities of farm Agtech and how to enable connectivity on their farms.
Yes.
A monitoring plan maps out a farms pain points and addresses the connectivity and Agtech needs of a producer’s farm.
Development Officers from the Farms of the Future program.
Program Partners
Suppliers of innovative Agtech devices and connectivity solutions who met the criteria set out in the NSW government’s Expression of Interest tender held between July – August 2022.
The NSW government conducted an Expression of Interest tender between July – August 2022 for suppliers seeking to be included as a Program Partner for the Farms of the Future grant program.
The Agtech catalogue will be updated with Program Partner products throughout the project.
In 2024, an additional Expression of Interest tender will be released to enable new suppliers to submit an application for inclusion.
Yes. Prices are fixed for 6 months and updated every 6 months.