IT Connects
Broad aim of the Scheme
“To promote the use of innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to benefit farmers and growers within the Northern Ireland Agri-food industry through the establishment of pilot projects to assess and evaluate the application of technology”.
A key emphasis within the Scheme was that the application of any technology should provide business benefit to the farmer and grower. The Scheme was a pilot project in that it was of limited duration, had pre-defined budget restraints, and the combined management/administration team was set up specifically for its duration.
Applications of technologies identified included
- Recording/accessing farm information using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and Excel spreadsheet for recording purposes
- Using Internet and Personal Computer (PC) based systems to assist with herd management
- Remote monitoring of bulk milk tanks using sensors and internet technology
- Electronic identification of livestock
- Precision farming of arable land using a satellite Global Information System (GIS) and a Personal Digital Assistant
Farmers and growers were then invited on a voluntary basis to apply to the Scheme to use one of these technology applications in their business. Each application was assessed and scored against pre-set criteria including:
- ICT qualifications and experience
- Existing ICT applications on the farm
- Appreciation of the benefits of the application of ICT to farm businesses
- Evidence of sharing farm business experience with other farmers and growers.
In total, 1086 applications were made of which 1022 were accepted (34 of these later dropped out). Farmers and growers normally applied individually, and CAFRE also encouraged applications by groups.
CAFRE took responsibility for the procurement of hardware/software which was 100 percent funded. Where possible, advantage was taken of discounts arising out of bulk/collective buying.
Some farmers and growers used the technology provided by the Scheme on its own, some integrated it with an existing technology application and some later, by choice, purchased additional technology to integrate with the Scheme technology.
All the farmers and growers selected signed a written agreement in which they undertook to apply and pilot the ICT application in their business, and to provide feedback to the scheme manager on their experiences with the technology and any resulting benefits to the business.
They also agreed to allow their experiences to be documented as case studies so that they could be featured in press articles and technical bulletins, to encourage further uptake.
Written survey responses were subsequently obtained from 588 farmers and growers in the first survey, and from 299 farmers and growers in the final survey of the Scheme.
What next?
ICT is continually changing and new technology solutions are emerging which will benefit the farming industry. Technologists at CAFRE continue to work along with the industry to assess emerging technologies and provide training for farmers to develop their ICT skills. With CAFRE’s Development Advisers, the technology team will ensure that farmers and growers discover how to best use the technology in their businesses. Information will be available through press articles, open days and on this web site.
A Farm Modernisation Scheme is being developed as part of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme. Through this scheme farmers will be able to get financial help to buy ICT equipment to modernise and improve their business. The scheme will open for applications later in 2008. We hope this information has stimulated you to think about how you might use ICT in your business. If you would like to discuss how you might use ICT in your business, please contact your local Development Adviser or an ICT Technologist.
