Program to help farmers link with top tech providers

The Early Adopter Program has been designed for forward-thinking producers who want tech solutions for on-farm issues, and want to work with tech companies to ensure these solutions are the best they can be.

Searching for, finding and filtering technology vendors is one of the serious challenges facing farmers today when looking for agtech solutions.

The Early Adopter Program supports farmers to access handpicked companies that are working on the very issues the farmers identify.

The program includes three phases over six months - Exploration, Design, and Engagement.

Through the virtual program and in-person workshops, producers and producer groups will gain expertise in technology management strategies, join a community of like-minded farming innovators, and get hands-on support from F2F to engage with a curated group of technology providers and co-design effective pilots.

F2F founders Sarah Nolet and Dr Christine Pitt created the Early Adopter Program so that producers get to work alongside tech companies to help streamline the solutions to the issues they're facing.

"We started F2F because we saw that agtech businesses were often missing the mark in terms of solutions because often they didn't understand agriculture, farmers or where their products could fit in," Ms Nolet said.

"There are big, macro challenges facing agriculture and we know that producers are looking for solutions, but can sometimes struggle to filter between similar solutions. This program helps make sure technology development in agriculture starts with the problems, not the tech, and that producers are recognized for the contribution they make.

"The topics open for exploration are only limited by your imagination. We want to hear about the challenges you're facing and areas where you're looking for technologies; anywhere from virtual fencing, individual animal management and remote monitoring, to automation and precision agriculture."

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Producer Penny Schulz is one of 12 recent graduates of F2F's inaugural Ideas Program - an eight-week curriculum designed to help entrepreneurial producers nail a business idea for a new product or technology.

The SA sheep and beef producer, along with co-founder Jo Williams, have advanced their idea for a tool to improve the working relationship and incentives between livestock producers and agents and says the coaching and mentoring provided throughout the Ideas Program has been critical in helping determine the next steps in their business plan.

"F2F's Ideas Program was honestly one of the best decisions we've made for the growth of our innovative idea and give us the skills to take it to the next level," Ms Schulz said.

"It helped us to better understand our customers, refine our idea, and create a project that really has potential.

"The relationships we built with other participants and the advice from the coaches was invaluable.

"Not only did the F2F team share their commercialisation expertise but they also challenged us, which was especially beneficial. I really encourage producers with innovative ideas, or innovative businesses already hitting the ground, to speak to F2F and find out how their programs can support."

Applications close November 20, with the program's three phases to run from November 2019 to May 2020.

Farmers2Founders is proudly supported by AgriFutures Australia, Australian Wool Innovation, the GRDC, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Wine Australia.