The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $30 million over 2 years from 2023–24 to 2024–25 to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.
Under the program, rebates are available to pre-approved suppliers that sell to and install eligible equipment for primary producers.
Round 1 of the program is now closed. Information about how eligible equipment suppliers and primary producers can apply for any future rounds will be published in due course.
Who can participate?
Applications for Round 1 of the program have now closed.
Primary producers in the agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries sectors can participate in future rounds of the program if they meet the Program's eligibility criteria, which include annual income thresholds and eligible primary production activity.
Eligibility criteria for Round 2 will be published to this page when the round opens.
How much is available?
The On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $30 million over 2 years from 2023–24 to 2024–25. Under Round 1 of the program $15 million was made available.
Information regarding rebates for Round 2 of the Program will be available when the round opens.
What products can be purchased?
There are 5 broad categories of eligible connectivity solutions and equipment:
- low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
- connectivity equipment
- environmental monitoring
- farm management
- remote automation and control.
How much is the rebate?
Under Round 1 of the Program, the rebate amount was up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.
- The minimum rebate amount was $3,000
- The maximum rebate amount was $30,000.
Information regarding rebates for Round 2 of the Program will be available when the Round opens.
Which products will attract the rebate?
Products listed by Eligible Equipment Suppliers as part of their Expression of Interest for the program will attract the rebate.
To find out more about eligible equipment under Round 1 of the program, see the Catalogue of eligible equipment.
The list of eligible suppliers and the catalogue of eligible equipment will be updated prior to Round 2 opening.
What's the process?
Once a primary producer accepts a quote for equipment, the eligible equipment supplier will submit an application for a rebate. If the application is successful, the primary producer pays for the equipment at a reduced price. Once the equipment is installed/shipped, the supplier can claim the rebate. Further information is outlined below:
- Step 1—Support: Primary producer may engage with the Regional Tech Hub to discuss their connectivity needs & get personalised advice.
- Step 2—Choose: Primary producer engages / selects a connectivity solution from an Eligible Equipment Supplier.
- Step 3—Quote: Primary producer receives, then accepts quotes from an Eligible Equipment Supplier.
- Step 4—Application submission: Eligible Equipment Supplier submits rebate application.
- Step 5—Application assessment: Business Grants Hub assesses application (estimated 2-6 week turnaround).
- Step 6—Rebate outcome: Eligible Equipment Supplier and Primary Producer advised.
- Step 7—Invoice: Farmer receive invoice at discounted price of up to 50% off from Eligible Equipment Supplier.
- Step 8—Payment: Primary Producer pays invoice.
- Step 9—Equipment installed / shipped: Eligible Equipment Supplier ships product. If required an appointment is arranged to install the connectivity solution and/or train the Primary Producer in how to use the connectivity solution.
- Step 10—Rebate claim: Eligible Equipment Supplier is required to submit rebate claims to the Business Grants Hub for payment within a 60 day timeframe, or by 31 May, whichever is sooner.
Help to identify your connectivity needs
The Regional Tech Hub provides free and independent advice on connectivity options for Australians located in regional, rural and remote areas.
You can contact the Regional Tech Hub via their website, online helpdesk, phone support line (1300 081 029) or Facebook and Twitter.
Suppliers
As per the process for Round 1, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will call for expressions of interest from businesses interested in supplying eligible equipment prior to the launch of Round 2.
To ensure that your local supplier is informed about the opening of the Round 2 EOI process, we encourage you to advise them to contact us via email at OFCP@communications.gov.au. This will ensure their contact information is added to our communications list for future rounds.