The On Farm Connectivity Program is returning, helping farmers with cost-of-living relief and improving productivity
The federal government is investing a further $20 million into round three of the successful On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
Previous OFCP rounds have provided rebates of up to 50 per cent for eligible equipment and technology – worth up to $30,000 – for farmers to implement smarter, better connected, more sustainable farming solutions.
These technologies are critical to modernise the agriculture sector and setting farmers up for the future, the federal government says.
“The On Farm Connectivity Program is already supporting thousands of farmers around the country to adopt agtech solutions to boost productivity and efficiency,” agriculture minister Julie Collins says.
“The huge response to this program shows just how innovative Aussie farmers and primary producers are.
“This additional $20 million will enable even more farmers to invest in their future.”
OFCP round three brings total investment by the federal government in the program to $53 million, equating to more than $100 million worth of agtech related equipment purchases across Australia.
Thousands of farmers have taken advantage of this program to date, enhancing on-farm connectivity to monitor activity with real-time data, improve safety and increase productivity on their farms.
Agtech solutions like these are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, automate tank systems and safeguard farming equipment and supplies.
Round three will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
Ahead of round three opening for applications, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will review the grant guidelines and processes to ensure the program is optimising opportunities for farmers and best addressing connectivity gaps.
This includes consultation with the agriculture industry and local communities on how the program can be further improved, including discussions already underway with the National Farmers Federation.
