The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 provides eligible Primary Producers up to $30,000 rebate for sales of smart farming technology through an Approved Supplier.

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.

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.

You can’t apply if you are:

• not an eligible, pre-approved Equipment Supplier
• an organisation, included on the National Redress Scheme’s website on the list of Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme
• an employer of 100 or more employees that has not complied with the Workplace Gender Equality Act (2012)
• an entity not listed in 4.1 of the grant opportunity guidelines.

Eligible projects:

You must complete and submit your application by 30 April 2025. The project period commences from the date you are notified your application is eligible. Project periods are up to a maximum of 120 calendar days or until 31 May 2025 whichever occurs first.

Your project must:

• assist Primary Producers to take advantage of agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety
• supply eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment listed at Appendix B to an eligible Primary Producer (see appendix C in the grant opportunity guidelines)
• sell, install and deliver eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment to an eligible Primary Producer at 50% of the purchase price up to $60,000 (GST exclusive). Primary Producers may spend more than $60,000 (GST exclusive), and there is no limit to the amount they may spend, however the rebate will not exceed $30,000 (GST exclusive)
• have at least $2,000 (GST exclusive) in total eligible expenditure

Eligible expenditure:

This is a rebate program. We will reimburse you (the Approved Supplier) for up to 50% of the purchase price of eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment purchased by an eligible Primary Producer.

Eligible expenditure items are:

• eligible connectivity solutions and the associated equipment items listed in appendix D of the granty opportunity guidelines
• cost of training provided to the Primary Producer in the operation of approved eligible equipment items, to a maximum of 10% of the total equipment purchase price
• cost of subscriptions to support operation approved eligible equipment items for up to 12 months duration, to a maximum of 10% of the total equipment purchase price
• cost of delivery and installation
• accommodation charges may be included in the cost of delivery and installation. The Program Delegate may seek additional information from you about this
• contingency of up to 20% above the listed eligible equipment price list provided at the time the supplier has been approved as an Approved Supplier. This is to account for changes in costs, including price of equipment and transportation, if required.

• Phone: 13 28 46
• Website: https://business.gov.au/contact-us