On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the Program

1. What is the On Farm Connectivity Program?

The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program (the Program) is providing $53 million across 3 rounds to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to extend connectivity in their fields and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.

Funded through the  Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, Rounds 1 and 2 sought to assist primary producers to increase connectivity, improve safety and drive more sustainable farming practice.

The objectives of the Program are to:

• extend digital connectivity to allow primary producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology
• enhance a Primary Producers’ capacity to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity
• support access to new communications equipment by offsetting some of the cost.

2. Why did the department undertake public consultation for Round 3 of the Program?

The department undertook public consultation to inform the redesign of Round 3. This approach allowed a wide range of views to be gathered from primary producers, suppliers, industry, and other stakeholders, helping to ensure the redesigned Program better addresses connectivity gaps in order to support greater uptake of new and advanced connectivity solutions.

3. What were the outcomes of this consultation?

Feedback showed there is a need to better address connectivity gaps so more primary producers can utilise new and advanced connectivity solutions. As a result, changes to the Program are expected. This means that the List of Eligible Equipment, Grant Opportunity Guidelines, and any other supporting documentation from previous rounds may no longer apply, and should not be used as a reference point for Round 3.

4. How can I find out if the equipment I sell will be eligible in Round 3?

The department is unable to provide specific details about what will be included in the final list of approved equipment for Round 3 until the program design is finalised. Further information on equipment eligibility will be published in due course.

5. I received a rebate in a previous round, am I eligible to apply for a rebate in Round 3?

Eligibility arrangements for Round 3 are still being finalised as the department works to incorporate feedback received through the consultation process. Details will be confirmed and published on the department's website once the arrangements for Round 3 have been finalised.

6. Can I buy something now and claim it when Round 3 opens?

No. Products purchased before Round 3 opens, or before an application has been approved, are not eligible for a rebate. This is consistent with the approach taken to the first two rounds of the program.

The department strongly advises against purchasing any equipment or connectivity solutions until your Round 3 rebate application has been formally approved following the opening of the round to applications, as eligibility cannot be guaranteed prior to this.

7. When will Round 3 be open for applications?

Applications for Round 3 are now expected to open in the second quarter of 2026.