Australian cotton growers are the biggest adopters of digital technologies that improve productivity on farm; however, they are also unsatisfied with current options for connecting and analysing digital information.

Poor coverage, speed, reliability and the high cost of connectivity are significant barriers to growers harnessing the full potential of further technology adoption and improved productivity and profitability in the industry. Research has shown the unconstrained implementation of precision agriculture would lift the gross value of cotton production by almost 30%.

Cotton Australia advocates for reliable and effective mobile phone and internet connectivity with adequate speeds and data allowances for all our cotton businesses to ensure they can realise the full potential of the digital revolution.

We believe people and businesses in cotton growing communities should have access to the same level of service reliability as metropolitan counterparts.

To address these issues, Cotton Australia works closely with the National Farmers’ Federation and Queensland Farmers’ Federation to advocate for policies and programs to close the digital divide. We also engage with state and federal governments and telecommunications providers.

Cotton Australia is also a proud founding member of the Rural, Regional and Remote Communications Coalition, an alliance of 21 like-minded organisations that are concerned about a lack of connectivity in the bush.

(Photos courtesy: NBN Co.)