On Farm Connectivity Program - Round 2

The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 (the program) will run over 1 year in 2024-25. This 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 objectives of the program are:

• extend digital connectivity and take advantage of advanced farming technology
• enhance a Primary Producers’ capacity to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity
• capitalise on the agricultural sector’s potential for increased productivity and growth
• support access to new communications equipment by offsetting some of the cost.

The intended outcomes of the program are:

• increased investment in equipment to support operations of the agricultural sector
• increased efficiency, competitiveness, productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector
• improved safety on farm
• increased use of advanced farming technology
• improved knowledge of advanced farming technology and digital literacy.

Eligible Primary Producers can only access the program (and rebate) through an Approved Supplier.

The Australian Government announced $30 million for the On Farm Connectivity program in the October 2023 budget with $15 million available for Round 1 and Round 2 of the program. A further $3 million is now being provided for Round 2.

For Round 2 of this grant opportunity $18 million is available in 2024-25.

The grant (rebate) amount will be up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment item/s listed at Appendix B of the grant opportunity guidelines.

• The minimum grant (rebate) amount is $1,000 (GST exclusive).
• The maximum grant (rebate) amount is $30,000 (GST exclusive).

As an Approved Supplier listed at Appendix A, you can claim up to the maximum rebate amount for each eligible Primary Producer with an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Eligibility:

You can apply if you:

• are an Approved Supplier in appendix A of the grant opportunity guidelines
• supply an eligible connectivity solution and the associated eligible equipment as listed in Appendix B of the grant opportunity guidelines to an eligible Primary Producer (as defined in Appendix C of the grant opportunity guidelines) and provide a quote itemising the equipment to be supplied
• be able to supply (including delivery and installation if applicable) the eligible connectivity solution and associated eligible equipment to the eligible Primary Producer within the 120 calendar day period of approval
• ensure the Primary Producer’s ABN has been registered for 12 months prior to application submission and be at different locations if submitting multiple applications.

Only if the Primary Producer meets the eligibility criteria, and:

• are a registered business and have an ABN that has been active for the previous 12 months
• have an annual average gross income (i.e. total revenue before expenses and tax) from primary production of between $40,000 and $4 million. Annual average income is calculated as the average of the previous 3 full financial years’ income for each ABN
• are not a hobby farmer
• operate an eligible primary production activity listed at Appendix D of the grant opportunity guidelines.