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The Albanese Government’s flagship ag-tech grants program was informed by the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review that found connectivity gaps were impacting the uptake of technology solutions by primary producers.
This advice was delivered to the previous Liberal / National Government which did nothing to act on it, despite a huge demand for these technologies to modernise the agriculture sector, and set farmers up for the future.
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.
“Our farmers and primary producers feed millions of Australians and generate billions for the economy,” says Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“To assist them with cost of living, they need access to affordable, cutting-edge connectivity and ag-tech solutions.”
“This is why the Albanese Government is providing an additional $20 million for a new round of our hugely popular On Farm Connectivity Program.”
“Labor designed this program on the back of advice from the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review – advice the previous Liberal / National Government ignored.”
“The Albanese Government has done more to boost on-farm connectivity in one term than the Liberals and Nationals did in nine years.”
“Only the Albanese Government will continue to deliver practical support for our farmers and for our regions – driving the future of farming in Australia.”
Read also: $3 billion investment in NBN to improve connectivity for Australians
OFCP Round 3 brings total investment by the Albanese Government in the program to $53 million, equating to more than $100 million worth of ag-tech related equipment purchases across Australia.
Thousands of farmers have taken advantage of this innovative program to date, enhancing on-farm connectivity to monitor activity with real-time data, improve safety and increase productivity on their farms.
“The On Farm Connectivity Program is already supporting thousands of farmers around the country to adopt ag-tech solutions to boost productivity and efficiency,” comments Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Julie Collins MP.
“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.
“The On Farm Connectivity Program is just another way the Albanese Labor Government is backing Aussie farmers and our agriculture sector.”
These ag-tech solutions are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, automate tank systems and safeguard farming equipment and supplies.
Following the success of OFCP Round 1, the Albanese Government boosted Round 2 funding to $18 million in 2024, and expanded eligibility criteria so more farmers could take part.
Round 3 will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
Ahead of Round 3 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.
“The Albanese Government is supporting farmers across Tasmania and the country with the cost of living,” adds Senator Anne Urquhart, Senator for Tasmania.
“Farmers like James Terry on Tasmania’s north-west coast who, thanks to the On Farm Connectivity Program, has invested in sensor technology that enables precision irrigation for his broccoli, cauliflowers, potatoes, peas and beans.”
“James says this technology is saving him 10 to 20 per cent in water efficiency, and would not have been implemented at this stage in his business without the grant.”
“I encourage farmers and primary producers across the Braddon electorate to take advantage of the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3,” she concludes.
The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, delivering improved connectivity and communications resilience across the country.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
