Fruit Growers Victoria is one of 20 producer groups, around Australia, to be granted money under the AgriFutures Australia Producer Technology Uptake Program.
FGV Industry Development Officer Michael Crisera said the $20,000 grant would be used to promote greater adoption of agricultural technology.
"We are going to use the funds to run some workshops, or a road show, with all the AgTech guys in one room," Mr Crisera said.
"We'll be looking at different farm management and pest and disease software, as well as general crop forecasting, soil moisture probes and irrigation technology.
'We'll be showcasing the technology that is most relevant to members, the apple, pear and stone fruit guys."
The FruitTech workshop would also involve property audits, to help growers determine what other technology they could benefit from.
It would be held in September or October, after the FGV conference, at a venue to be set.
The AgriFutures program is aimed at delivering a bespoke technology workshop, as well as other activities, to trial technology solutions and kick start adoption across the member base.
Up to $20,000 in funding has been awarded to a diverse range of producer groups to help overcome known barriers to technology adoption, including digital literacy, lack of understanding on the potential return on investment, and overall appetite for technology.
AgriFutures Australia Innovation manager Ulicia Raufers said interest in the pilot program was staggering, highlighting the agricultural sector's enthusiasm to harness the benefits of technology.
"The diversity of applicants exceeded our expectations and we're thrilled with the response," said Ms Raufers.
"The program is first and foremost about meeting the needs of local producers.
"Workshops will offer producers a practical pathway to evaluate the role and value of new technology in their farming operations."
The successful producer group activities span innovation field days and robotic harvest solutions, to building local sensor networks and digital irrigation monitoring.
A major focus for all producer groups will be assessing return on investment when it comes to selecting technology solutions for farm businesses.
Ms Raufers said producers would walk away from the workshops with a personalised farm technology plan, including relevant solutions to their farming system and importantly, steps to implementation.
"The individual activities aim to arm producers with the knowledge to become technology adopters which will help speed up decision making, create labour savings and improve market access, amongst other benefits for their farm businesses," said Ms Raufers.
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
