With an increased funding pool of $18 million and expanded eligibility criteria, the program aims to empower more Australian farmers with advanced connectivity solutions, enhancing their ability to communicate, monitor, and manage their operations effectively.
Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “The Albanese Government is backing Australian farmers and suppliers of ag-tech and connectivity equipment through the On Farm Connectivity Program.”
“This important program is helping farmers around the country invest in the future through smarter, more sustainable ag-tech and connectivity solutions that power productivity and streamline farm logistics.”
The OFCP provides rebates of up to 50 per cent for eligible equipment, with a cap of $30,000, to extend data coverage and enhance the reliability of machinery and sensor technology. These technologies play a crucial role in optimising soil quality, monitoring livestock, automating systems, and safeguarding farming resources, thereby driving both productivity and communication on farms.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, added, “Australia’s farmers and primary producers feed millions of Australians, generate billions of dollars for our economy. They are also world-class innovators.”
“The On Farm Connectivity Program is an investment in the future of Australian agriculture.”
The first round of the OFCP saw $15 million in grants distributed to more than 1,500 primary production businesses, enabling them to access a wide range of connectivity-enhancing equipment. Round 2 promises to build on this success, with increased funding and broader participation opportunities.
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, echoed the importance of connectivity in regional areas, saying, “Improving connectivity in our regions is a topic that regularly arises when I meet people living and working in regional Australia.”
“We saw strong demand through Round 1 of the program, with more than $2.5 million worth of rebates delivered to Queensland farmers alone. This $18 million funding boost to expand eligibility will give more farmers the opportunity to improve how they operate and do business.”
“Farms are essentially small businesses, and we want to increase their capacity by making it easier to utilise the technology that will help them meet growing demand,” he added.
Jennifer Medway, General Manager of the Regional Tech Hub, also highlighted the growing interest from suppliers, noting, “We are fielding enquiries from prospective suppliers wanting to be part of Round 2 of the program, which has generated a real buzz in the farming community.”
“For many farmers, they simply wouldn’t progress the next step in addressing their connectivity gaps or take advantage of connectivity to drive new tech adoption if it wasn’t for this program.”
Read also: Albanese government expands funding for farmers’ ag-tech solutions
The Regional Tech Hub will continue to support farmers by offering free and independent advice, ensuring they make the most of the connectivity solutions available through the OFCP.
As part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, the OFCP is not just about technology but about ensuring that rural communities remain connected, competitive, and capable in a technology-driven world.
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