The Farms of the Future (FoTF) program aims to facilitate tech-enabled production and monitoring through improved connectivity and installation of sensor equipment which support increased productivity, competitiveness, job creation and sustainable use of resources in agriculture.
The Farms of the Future program had two core streams of investment:
- Extension and Capacity Building: the development and roll-out of a multifaceted education and capacity building campaign aimed at building farmer and supplier knowledge of the benefits and use of technology in agriculture.
- Grants: The grants program closed on 31 August 2023.
The program had 11 target local government areas (LGAs) in rural and regional NSW.
They include;
- Carrathool, Griffith and Leeton
- Armidale
- Moree Plains and Narrabri
- Orange and Cabonne
- Ballina, Byron and Lismore
Training Program
The “Monitoring your farm with Agtech” training series were conducted online and in-person across the designated Local Government Areas up until 31 July 2023.
Our team collaborated with Tocal College, one of Australia’s leading providers in specialised training for agriculture and rural industries, to develop the training program. The FoTF training proved to be a valuable opportunity for farmers to review the needs of their properties, directly experience the benefits of Agtech, and establishing the know-how to plan and integrate optimal connectivity and Agtech on their farms.
Farmers studied the different Agtech devices and connectivity options and how Agtech can assist them to make informed business decisions, enhance on farm safety, save time and labour costs and improve productivity.
In addition, the training sessions:
- Helped farmers define the specific needs for their farm operation.
- Explained the steps required to select appropriate Agtech devices and connectivity solutions for their farm.
- Assisted farmers in developing a plan to purchase, install and use Agtech on their farm.
Farmers walked away from the training with new skills and knowledge so they could prepare a digital installation plan for their farm.
Grants Program
The grants program closed on 31 August 2023.
Government Support
The NSW Government has committed $48 million to the expanded Farms of the Future program, which is part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program, and funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
The program is being delivered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
The FoTF program is part of the NSW Government’s Future Ready Regions strategy, that lays out the government’s plans to support and work with regional communities, farmers and industries, enabling them to become more self-reliant and better prepared for the impacts of future drought events and other economic and environmental events.
Keeping up to date
If you are interested in the program we strongly encourage you to register your details by clicking here, so that you will receive updates on future events and project activities.