A smart agriculture information system delivering research data for adoption by the Australian grains industry

Abstract

Online Farm Trials (OFT) is a bespoke online information system providing current and historical grains trials research data and information in Australia. It represents a technology that supports smart agriculture by enabling discoveries in the data. Its impact on users has been established, supporting industry knowledge and decision making and leading to improved work practices. The aim of this research is to identify the contribution of OFT, as a tool that supports smart agriculture, and to explore the current adoption, barriers, and opportunities for expanding the system for the Australian grains industry. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with leaders and innovators from the agriculture industry (N = 16). Thematic analysis of the qualitative data reveals widespread value of OFT as an important resource for accessing industry-dedicated, current and historical research trials data. Barriers to adoption were identified which included incomplete data, and a lack of industry-wide awareness. Opportunities to consolidate and expand the data, together with improved industry awareness, are essential to improving industry-wide adoption. Key learnings were identified in the research that offers benefit for the industry, and consideration for the adoption of technology in smart agriculture. This includes functionality, audience, completeness of information/data, consideration of new technologies and the promotion of the system through the delivery of real world examples to encourage industry adoption. Recommendations to support the future design and development of digital platforms in agriculture are also offered.

Keywords

• Smart agriculture
• Adoption
• Qualitative research
• Data
• Barriers and opportunities