IT Connects - Increasing Access to ICT Scheme

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has launched a new ICT booklet in Eglish, Dungannon.

The Minister visited Nicola Beavers’ farm in Eglish, Dungannon, to launch the booklet  “IT Connects - Farmers’ experiences from the Increasing Access to ICT Scheme”. Nicola runs a 250 ewe flock on her Co. Tyrone farm, including 50 high quality pedigree Texel ewes. She has been using electronic tags and a handheld data recorder for the last year.

The Minister said, "This booklet will provide a great source of reference for local farmers who are considering enhancing the technology they use on their farm. Shared experience is the best way to achieve increased ICT participation and this booklet offers a wide range of farmers’ experiences of using Information and Communication Technology.

“People in rural areas need to have access to modern technology to support their growing businesses. Nicola is a great example of how farmers can use technology to help make recording quicker and more accurate. My Department will continue to encourage innovative farmers to use the latest technology in practical ways to help with day to day running of their businesses. I hope the experiences of farmers on this Scheme will inspire others to consider how to use ICT to make a difference in their business”.

The Increasing Access to ICT Scheme was launched in 2003 and gave almost 1000 farmers the opportunity to use new technology in their farm business. This new booklet outlines experiences of six of the businesses who took part. These include beef, sheep, dairy, pig, poultry and horticulture businesses, highlighting the benefits of technology across a wide range of enterprises.

If you would like a copy of the booklet contact Ciaran Hamill at CAFRE on Tel: 028 9442 6756 or go to our web page within RuralNi.