On this page
- About the program
- Round 3
- How to Keep Informed
- Advice for the Previous Approved Suppliers
- Contact us
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 connectivity solutions.
This Program is part of the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia and to date has assisted primary producers 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.
All available funding for Round 2 has now been fully committed to approved applications. For all applications which are approved under Round 2, claims for rebate will still be able to be submitted for payment, noting this must be completed within 120 days of outcome notification, or 31 May 2025, whichever is earlier, 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.
The Minister’s full Media Release is available here:Backing Aussie farmers with an additional $20 million for connectivity | Ministers for the Department of Infrastructure
Following Minister Rowland’s announcement of Round 3 of the Program, the department has commenced consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders. Such consultations will inform the drafting of a discussion paper relating to the design of Round 3. The discussion paper will enable wider industry and stakeholder engagement through a public consultation process.
Given the feedback received on the Program since 2023, it is likely that Round 3 will see several design changes. Therefore, the List of Eligible Equipment, and prior rounds’ Grant Opportunity Guidelines should not be used as a reference point for Round 3.
At this stage, rebates for Round 3 are more likely to proceed towards the end of the 2025 calendar year.
How to Keep Informed
Primary producers and suppliers who wish to be included on the department’s email list to receive updates or information about consultation for Round 3, should send an email to OFCP@infrastructure.gov.au.
Advice for Previous Approved Suppliers
Businesses previously on a List of Approved Suppliers are requested to remove all references to OFCP Rounds 1 and 2 from their websites, social media and all other electronic and printed media including pamphlets and flyers.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the On Farm Connectivity Program, please contact OFCP@communications.gov.au.