Applications are open for Round 1 of the Albanese Government’s new On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) to increase the uptake of agtech to boost productivity, growth and sustainability of Australia’s primary producers.

A Farmbot monitor in place on a tank in a grazing operation.

The $30 million OFCP – funded through the October 2022-23 Federal Budget – will enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to extend connectivity further onto their properties and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.

The program will provide 50 per cent rebates for the cost of smart farming technology that can help to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, improve efficiency of water use, streamline farm logistics and boost customer connections throughout the world.

Following an expression of interest process earlier this year, 79 equipment suppliers have signed on to the program and will be able to apply for rebates of between $3,000 and $30,000 for eligible equipment purchased by primary producers.

Rebates will be available for a wide range of technology including external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags and relevant installation and training costs.

Rebates to fund connected machinery upgrades will provide a significant boost to these producers and will help drive growth in the sector.

The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government’s $656 million Better Connectivity Plan which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.

For more information on the OFCP, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/ofcp

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program to give farmers and producers access to the technology they need to boost productivity, reduce costs, operate more efficiently, sustainably and safely.

Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt said the program would provide a significant boost to our agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors by enabling producers to take advantage of new technologies and innovation.

“This is just another example of how the Albanese Government is delivering for our agricultural sector.”

Source: OFCP – For more information on the program and how to apply, click here