Farmers scratching their heads over how best to adopt agtech into their operations can now access free, practical and tailored support through the On Farm Connectivity Information Service.
Part of the National Farmers’ Federation's Regional Tech Hub, the service is a key pillar of the federal government’s $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program.
Announced by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland at the NFF conference in Canberra last week, the OFCP will support primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to adopt connected machinery and sensor technology.
"The federal government will provide 50% rebates for the cost of smart farming technology that optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, improve efficiency of water use, streamline farm logistics and boost customer connections throughout the world," Minister Rowland said.
"The Australian Farm Institute estimates full adoption of digital and agtech by the agricultural sector could add upwards of $20 billion in additional sector value.
“Measures like the On Farm Connectivity Program will ensure our agricultural sector has every opportunity and the best technology to take advantage of an increasingly digital economy."
Following an expression of interest process earlier this year, 79 equipment suppliers have signed on to the program and will be able to apply for rebates of between $3,000 and $30,000 for eligible equipment purchased by primary producers.
Rebates will be available for a wide range of technology including external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags and relevant installation and training costs.
Stepping famers through the myriad of choices of digital technologies, the applications available to them, and solutions for equipment, set-up and installation, Regional Tech Hub manager Jen Medway said the information will be tailored for each user of the service.
“The Regional Tech Hub has already supported more than 150,000 people in regional and remote Australia since its inception nearly three years ago," Ms Medway said.
“Our extended service capabilities through the OFCP will mean farmers can pick up the phone or reach out on our website, to talk specifically about their on-farm connectivity requirements – whether that be how to extend connectivity from the house to the machinery shed or yards, or how to support some of the highly sophisticated production networks and systems they wish to adopt.
“To be able to talk to someone who speaks their language, understands the unique environment in which they operate, and can listen to what they are wanting to achieve with their on-farm connectivity requirements makes the decision process so much easier.
“We are urging farmers to make use of this free, independent advisory service, as well as our online information toolkit and webinars, so they can confidently participate in the OFCP to access the on-farm connectivity equipment that will make a difference to them and the running of their business.”
Improved delivery of the Universal Service Obligation
Minister Rowland also used her address to announce the government's plan to explore ways to improve the delivery of the Universal Service Obligation.
A long-standing telecommunications safeguard that ensures all Australians can access fixed phone services and payphones, regardless of where they live, the USO is currently delivered by Telstra and relies on ageing copper wire that is increasingly expensive to maintain.
With new and emerging technologies presenting new opportunities to deliver voice services in Australia, the Albanese government is undertaking a consultation process to explore options to deliver better communications outcomes, particularly for regional, rural and remote communities who rely on fixed phone services to stay connected.
"There is an opportunity to modernise the USO in a manner that benefits regional and remote consumers and their long-term interests," Minister Rowlands said.
"Work needs to progress now because the USO is not fit for purpose - it needs to catch up with technological and market developments that have and are taking place.
"There are many diverse voices who have called for examination of how to improve and modernise the USO.
"This includes a plethora of reviews and inquiries: including the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review, the Productivity Commission in 2017, as well as calls for reform from ACCAN, the ACCC, and the National Farmers' Federation. And through all of those initiatives, it’s hard to find any organisation saying that the USO arrangements were working to their full potential."
Alongside the initial consultation, the government will commence work to establish a clear, independent and transparent body of evidence to help inform whether emerging technologies are capable of delivering suitable levels of service for the USO, with trials expected to commence in 2024.
Further consultation will also start next year to seek views on sustainable, long-term funding of services in rural and remote areas, incorporating a review of the Regional Broadband Scheme legislated to commence by mid-2024.
