On Farm Connectivity Program

About the Program

The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $53 million over 2023–24 to 2025–26 to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.

This program is part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia and aims to assist primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity, improve safety and drive more sustainable farming practices.

Round 1 of the Program provided $13.8 million in rebates allowing over 1,500 primary producers to boost their connectivity and uptake of ag-tech.

Round 2

Funding for the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 has now been exhausted and the round has closed to new applications. The Business Grants Hub is continuing to assess the submitted applications received against the program eligibility criteria, and processing applications for rebate.

For all applications which are approved under this round, rebate claims will still be able to be submitted for payment, noting this must be completed within 120 days to secure rebates.

Round 3

On 14 January 2025 the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications announced $20 million toward a third round of the On Farm Connectivity Program. Round 3 will open for applications later in 2025, with funding to be delivered across 2025-26.

Consultation with stakeholders will inform the design of Round 3, to ensure lessons and feedback from the previous rounds are well considered.

The Minister’s full Media Release is available here: Backing Aussie farmers with an additional $20 million for ag-tech connectivity | Ministers for the Department of Infrastructure

If you wish to be included on the department’s email list to receive updates or information about consultation for Round 3, please send an email to OFCP@infrastructure.gov.au.