Queensland's persimmon industry will gain greater market and production data insights thanks to a Digital Transformation Grant as part of Queensland's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Persimmons Australia would use its $42,800 grant to develop the new digital platform by June next year.
"These grants were established under Queensland's Economic Recovery plan to help our agricultural industries make better use of digital technologies and access new opportunities," Mr Furner said.
"The COVID-19 Pandemic created serious challenges for the agriculture sector, but the Palaszczuk Government has worked closely with industry to find solutions for emerging problems and stand shoulder to shoulder with our farmers."
The grant to Persimmons Australia will support an $85,600 project that will include:
- Final development, trialling and adoption of a digital reporting system to inform and direct activities around supply, packaging and price negotiations; and
- Engage producers to improve industry communication and cooperation.
"The grant means better outcomes for the Persimmon industry, which has growers from Far North Queensland all the way to the Sunshine Coast and Lockyer Valley," Mr Furner said.
Persimmons Australia president Chris Stillard said the organisation was excited to refine and roll out its digital online data exchange system for market intelligence across the industry.
"The program will allow Persimmons Australia to work closely with its growers to build their trust and confidence in using digital technologies," Mr Stillard said.
"I believe there is enormous scope for the industry to benefit from increased knowledge around market intelligence.
"It will drive a more market-focused industry."
Mr Furner said a total of $5.5 million is being invested over three years through the Digital Transformation in Agribusiness Initiative.
"This funding, as part of our COVID-19 economic recovery strategy, will support agribusinesses to become digitally aware and ready to respond to future disruptions," he said.
"Digital technology creates new ways of doing things that adds value to the agricultural sector by working more precisely, efficiently and sustainably.
"It offers innovative ways to connect producers to consumers, reduce problems related to remoteness in rural communities, and attract the next generation to jobs in the industry."
Mr Furner said there was strong interest from industry in the first round of the Agribusiness Digital Solutions Grant Program.
"There were 22 applications received and the diversity of project proposals demonstrates the opportunities digital technologies create for the sector," he said.
"Under a co-investment model, grants of up to $200,000 were offered for projects that enhance digital skills, drive business efficiencies and create regional jobs across Queensland.
"The approved grants of $1.045 million are for projects that use a range of technologies including the Internet of Things, cloud computing, intelligent apps, big data, automation, artificial intelligence and sensors."
