On Farm Connectivity Program
The Australian Government has announced a total of $30 million for the On Farm Connectivity Program (the program). The program will run over 2 years from 2023-2024 to 2024-2025. This program forms part of the Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia Plan (Better Connectivity Plan) and assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.
Eligible Primary Producers can only access the program (and rebate) through an eligible Equipment Supplier (List of eligible equipment suppliers).
Eligible equipment suppliers can claim a rebate of between $3,000 and $30,000 for the sale of eligible equipment, with primary producers accessing discounted prices. The rebate can be claimed for up to 50% of the cost of the eligible equipment.
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.
Equipment Supplier Eligibility:
- have an Australian business number (ABN)
- are an eligible Equipment Supplier listed in Appendix A of the grant opportunity (attached)
- supply an eligible connectivity solution and the associated eligible equipment to an eligible Primary Producer
- are able to supply the eligible connectivity solution and associated eligible equipment to the eligible Primary Producer within 60 days of the sale/purchase
Primary Producer Eligibility:
- are a registered business and have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have an annual average gross income (i.e. total revenue before expenses and tax) from primary production of between $40,000 and $2 million. Annual average income is calculated as the average of the previous three full financial years’ income for each ABN
- are not a hobby farmer
- operate an eligible primary production activity.
On Farm Connectivity Program Grant opportunity guidelines PDF
https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/on-farm-connectivity-program