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.

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.

Approved Suppliers for Round 2 have been notified and can be found on the List of Approved Suppliers – Round 2.

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.

What can I supply?

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

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 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.

More questions?

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for Approved Suppliers.

Additional Information