Rice growers blast researchers’ lack of outreach

Australia’s universities are failing to involve farmers in the development of precision agriculture technology, and are relying on commercial retailers to market its benefits, according to a report by a federal research funding agency.

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation says that universities need to offer courses that will teach the skills needed to manage increasingly complex digital farming systems.  

In a report on the adoption of technology in Australia’s rice industry, RIRDC says that farmers believe little is being done to communicate the economic and social benefits of precision agriculture research.