On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2—information for suppliers

About the Program

The On Farm Connectivity Program (the Program) forms part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia (Better Connectivity Plan) and assists Primary Producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.

The intended outcomes of the Program are to:

  • increase investment in equipment to support operations of the agricultural sector
  • increase efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of the agricultural sector
  • improve safety on farms
  • increase use of advanced farming technology
  • improve knowledge of advanced farming technology and digital literacy.

Under the Program, rebates are available to Approved Suppliers that sell to and install eligible equipment for Primary Producers at a reduced cost (equal to the rebate amount).
The Program is undertaken in 2 stages:

How much is available?

Up to $18 million in rebates is available under Round 2 of the Program. This is a demand driven grant opportunity. Rebates will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first served basis in order of receipt of application. Funding is available to 31 May 2025 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Interested in being an Approved Supplier for Round 2?

The EOI for Round 2 of the On Farm Connectivity Program is now open. Businesses seeking to be included on the List of Approved Suppliers must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) application form by Sunday 29 September 2024 at 11:59pm (AEST).

All Approved Suppliers from Round one will need to reapply to participate in Round 2 of the Program. The department will assess all EOIs against the eligibility criteria .

What is an Approved Supplier?

An Approved Supplier is a business that has been found suitable as part of the Expression of Interest process to participate in Round 2 of the On Farm Connectivity Program. Only Approved Suppliers are able to supply equipment under the Program.

What can I supply?

Eligible connectivity equipment solutions can be found in the List of Eligible of Equipment.

Any additional products Primary Producers may want to purchase that are not eligible, will need to be purchased outside of the Program.

Equipment that relies on the 3G network to work (either in part or in full) is not eligible for the rebate.

Changes to the product list provided with your application are not permitted for probity reasons.

Only Approved Suppliers with written approval are allowed to pass on the 20 per cent price contingency. Please email OFCP@communications.gov.au for written approval.  

What if a Primary Producer wants to improve connectivity but doesn’t know where to start?

To aid Primary Producers in making well-informed decisions, we encourage you to direct them to the Regional Tech Hub (Tech Hub). The Tech Hub has been engaged under the program to offer free, independent expert advice to Primary Producers to help them determine the best connectivity solutions for their business. This service complements the Program, enabling Primary Producers to explore their connectivity needs before accepting a quote for equipment from an Approved Supplier.

What if I have a conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest could affect the performance of a program. There may be a conflict of interest, or perceived conflict of interest, if you or any of your personnel:

  • has a professional, commercial or personal relationship with a party who is able to influence the application selection process, such as an Australian Government officer
  • has a relationship with or interest in, an organisation, which is likely to interfere with or restrict the applicants from carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently or
  • has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal gain because the organisation receives a grant under the grant program/grant opportunity.

If you have an actual or perceived conflict of interest you will need to complete and submit a conflict of interest declaration and add it as an attachment with your EOI application.

What is the rebate process?

Once a Primary Producer accepts a quote for equipment, the approved 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 Approved 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: Approved Supplier advised.
  • Step 7—Invoice: Primary Producer receive invoice at discounted price of up to 50% off from Approved Supplier.
  • Step 8—Payment: Primary Producer pays invoice.
  • Step 9—Equipment installed / shipped: Approved 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: Approved Supplier is required to submit rebate claims to the Business Grants Hub for payment within a 120 day timeframe, or by 31 May 2025, whichever is sooner.

More questions?

If you have questions about the Expression of Interest or how to be included on the List of Approved Suppliers please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for Equipment Suppliers.

Additional Information