Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is very pleased with Agriculture Minister David Littleproud’s announcement of Smart Farms funding of $3.29m to improve farming outcomes on Eyre Peninsula.
Mr Ramsey said the succesul proponents, Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation and the Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association, are currently in the process of merging and this funding will be a great springboard for their operations.
“The project will use advances in satellite imagery and soil analysis to unlock Eyre Peninsula’s full agricultural potential,” he said.
“This innovative technology will improve the resilience and productivity of Eyre Peninsula agriculture.
“This is very exciting for the region and will build on previous Smart Farm grants which have helped drive technical improvements in the region.
“ A networked system of soil moisture probe information, satellite imagery and projected crop yields will help inform farm decision-making.”
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said the $3.29 million Smart Farming Partnerships investment would improve farm resilience and productivity.
“We’re backing its producers by investing in an innovative project that will help them develop more resilient and profitable farming systems in an increasingly variable climate.
“Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation and the Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association will work with local farmers, their advisers and researchers,” he said.
“An important aspect of this project is the integration of data from soil moisture probes, weather observations and climate projections.
“This will significantly improve the capacity of farmers to make decisions and plan.
“The Coalition Government is ready to help agriculture become a $100 billion industry by 2030 and we’ll do that in part through investing in projects like this.”
Media Contact Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
February 25 2020