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 through Approved Suppliers.
The intended outcomes of the Program are:
- increase investment in equipment to support operations of the agricultural sector
- increase efficiency, competitiveness, and productivity of the agricultural sector
- improve safety on farm
- increase use of advanced farming technology
- improve knowledge of advanced farming technology and digital literacy.
Who can participate?
Primary Producers in the agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries sectors can participate in the Program if they meet the Program’s eligibility criteria, which include annual income thresholds and eligible primary production activity.
Primary Producer eligibility
To participate in the Program, the Primary Producer’s business must:
- be a registered business and have an ABN that has been active for the previous 12 months at the time of applying
- have an annual average pre-tax income from primary production of between $40,000 and $4 million. Annual average gross income is calculated as the average of the previous 3 full financial years' income for each ABN
- not be a hobby farmer
- operate an eligible primary production activity that is defined as those listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006 (revision 2.0) codes under Division A, Agricultural Forestry and Fishing, Subdivisions 01, 02 and 03
- agree to the department contacting you for a case study about your connectivity solution for the On Farm Connectivity Program up to 2 years after the Program has closed.
You can find eligible ANZSIC codes in Appendix D of the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 - Grant Opportunity Guidelines .
As part of the application process, the Primary Producer will be required to sign a declaration to confirm their eligibility.
How much is available?
The Australian Government is providing $18 million in 2024–25 under Round 2 of the Program. Rebates of up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment are available, with a minimum rebate of $1,000 (GST exclusive) and a maximum of $30,000 (GST exclusive) on offer.
How much is the rebate?
Under Round 2 of the Program, the rebate amount will be up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.
- the minimum grant (rebate) amount is $1,000 (GST exclusive)
- the maximum grant (rebate) amount is $30,000 (GST exclusive).
There is no limit to the amount an eligible Primary Producer may spend, however, the rebate cannot exceed $30,000 (GST exclusive).
Primary Producers can purchase eligible equipment from multiple Approved Suppliers, to a total combined value of $30,000 (GST exclusive).
What products are eligible?
There are 5 broad categories of eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment:
- Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
- Connectivity Equipment
- Environmental monitoring
- Farm management
- Remote automation and control
You can find the list of eligible equipment categories and sub-categories at the List of Eligible Equipment
Important notice - Any supplementary products offered by the Approved Supplier are not eligible for the Program and must be purchased outside of the Program.
List of Approved Suppliers – Round 2
The Round 2 List of Approved Suppliers can be found here. Please check the list of Approved Suppliers before purchasing products under the Program.
If you are aware of a supplier who does not appear on this list claiming to be a Round 2 Approved Supplier, please inform OFCP@communications.gov.au
How to get started
Primary Producers reach out to a supplier from the List of Approved Suppliers to discuss and arrange a quote for their required connectivity solution. Working with the Primary Producer, Approved Suppliers will organise and submit their application for approval through the Business Grants Hub Online Portal. A new application will need to be submitted for each proposed sale / quote.
To help you to make well-informed decisions, we encourage you to engage with the Regional Tech Hub (Tech Hub). The Tech Hub has been enlisted to offer free, independent expert advice to help you determine which the connectivity solutions would enhance productivity and safety in your business operations. This service complements the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP), enabling you to explore your connectivity needs before applying for the rebate through an Approved Supplier.
You can contact the Tech Hub via their online helpdesk, phone support line (1300 081 029) or Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). You can also visit the Tech Hub’s website at www.regionaltechhub.org.au.
What's the process?
Once a Primary Producer accepts a quote for the eligible 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 reduced price back as a rebate. Further information is outlined below:
- Step 1—Support: Primary Producer may engage with the Regional Tech Hub to discuss their connectivity needs and get personalised advice.
- Step 2—Choose: Primary Producer engages with and selects a connectivity solution from an Approved Supplier.
- Step 3—Quote: Primary Producer receives, then accepts quotes from an Approved Supplier.
- Step 4—Application submission: Approved Supplier submits rebate application.
- Step 5—Application assessment: Business Grants Hub assesses application (estimated 2-6 week turnaround).
- Step 6—Rebate outcome: Approved Supplier and Primary Producer advised.
- Step 7—Invoice: Primary Producer receives 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: 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.