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Agriculture | August 12, 2019

Kealy calls for local farmer access to ‘Internet of Things’ trial

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is calling on the Andrews Labor Government to ensure local farmer are included in an initiative that helps them become more digitally enabled.

The Internet of Things (IoT) trial provides grants to broadacre cropping, sheep, horticulture and dairy farmers to invest in technologies that match their on-farm needs.

The On-Farm IoT Trial will involve multiple funding rounds, with round one a pilot round involving 100 farms, 25 from each farm type.

Funding of up to $30,000 will be available to selected farmers to put towards the cost of IoT technology selected from the trial catalogue of Apps & Devices.

Successful applicants will receive support from an Agriculture Victoria Industry Technology Coordinator who will help them select an IoT solution to match their identified on-farm needs.

“The Maffra, Birchip, Serpentine and Tatura regions have been chosen as trial sites for round one, with Lowan farmers ineligible to participate” Ms Kealy said.

“The Wimmera and Western District are home to many innovative farmers with a fantastic amount of experience and expertise, particularly in broadacre cropping and sheep farming.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to expand the initiative to ensure Lowan farmers are eligible to submit Expressions of Interest in subsequent funding rounds.

“Our local farmers must be given the same opportunity to develop their own Farm IoT Plan as those in other parts of Victoria.”