Moy Park farmers invited to evaluate cutting edge technology

Moy Park producers are invited to evaluate a new piece of mobile technology under the “Increasing Access to ICT” Scheme.

Date: 06/07/2006
Source: DARD

This mobile device, the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), has just arrived on the market and it can allow Moy Park farmers to access the Moy Park production data website wirelessly. GPRS (General Packet Radio service) is used to provide the connection. GPRS is a mobile phone technology and coverage is available to 99 percent of the UK and it allows wireless Internet access speeds similar to a fast dial up connection. Producers should be able to use this technology in their poultry house and save valuable time in inputting data.

The ‘Access to ICT Scheme’ is operated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and gives farmers the opportunity to use innovative ICT (Information & Communication Technology) in their business.  To date almost 500 farmers across many enterprises have benefited from the scheme.  DARD provides the equipment on loan on the condition that participants complete evaluations. The scheme is open to all farms and farm families in Northern Ireland who have not already received technology under the scheme.

Initially ten producers are required to evaluate this technology.  Successful applicants will need to supply their own GPRS enabled SIM card. DARD, through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), will provide training in the use of the technology.  If the initial evaluation is positive, this technology will be rolled out to more producers for further evaluation.

Further information on the “Increasing Access to ICT” scheme and an application form can found by accessing the Rural Portal www.ruralni.gov.uk and following the “Information Technology” link. To obtain a paper copy of the application pack you should contact Jennifer Ball on 028 9442 6898.  For any other queries regarding this project or the scheme itself you should contact scheme adviser Gavin McQuaid at gavin.mcquaid@dardni.gov.uk or on 028 9442 6639.