Assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity, improve safety and drive more sustainable farming practices.

The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 is now open for rebate applications from Approved Suppliers and Primary Producers. Rebates of up to 50% are available for eligible equipment worth up to $30,000 (GST exclusive). Applications close 5pm AEST on 30 April or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Broadened eligibility criteria under Round 2 of the program and a larger number of Approved Suppliers means more Primary Producers can benefit from the program.

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. Download a list of Approved Supplier here.

Primary Producer eligibility 

An Eligible Primary Producer must:

• be a registered business and have an ABN that has been active for the previous 12 months at the time of applying
  
• have an annual average pre-tax income from primary production of between $40,000 and $4 million. Annual average gross income is calculated as the average of the previous 3 full financial years' income for each ABN
  
• not be a hobby farmer
  
• operate an eligible primary production activity that is defined as those listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006 (revision 2.0) codes under Division A, Agricultural Forestry and Fishing, Subdivisions 01, 02 and 03
  
• agree to the department contacting you for a case study about your connectivity solution for the On Farm Connectivity Program up to 2 years after the Program has closed.

You can download eligible ANZSIC codes in Appendix D of the On Farm Connectivity Program Round 2 - Grant Opportunity Guidelines here.

As part of the application process, the Primary Producer will be required to sign a declaration to confirm their eligibility.

How much is available?

The Australian Government is providing $18 million in 2024–25 under Round 2 of the Program. Rebates of up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment are available, with a minimum rebate of $1,000 (GST exclusive) and a maximum of $30,000 (GST exclusive) on offer.

How much is the rebate?

Under Round 2 of the Program, the rebate amount will be up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.

• the minimum grant (rebate) amount is $1,000 (GST exclusive)
• the maximum grant (rebate) amount is $30,000 (GST exclusive)

There is no limit to the amount an eligible Primary Producer may spend, however, the rebate cannot exceed $30,000 (GST exclusive).

Primary Producers can purchase eligible equipment from multiple Approved Suppliers, to a total combined value of $30,000 (GST exclusive).

What products are eligible?

There are 5 broad categories of eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment:

• Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
• Connectivity Equipment
• Environmental monitoring
• Farm management
• Remote automation and control

You can find the list of eligible equipment categories and sub-categories at the List of Eligible Equipment.

Important notice:  Any supplementary products offered by the Approved Supplier are not eligible for the Program and must be purchased outside of the Program.

What's the process?

Once a Primary Producer accepts a quote for the eligible equipment, the Approved Supplier will submit an application for a rebate. If the application is successful, the Primary Producer pays for the equipment at a reduced price. Once the equipment is installed/shipped, the supplier can claim the reduced price back as a rebate. Further information is outlined below:

Step 1 - Support: Primary Producer may engage with the Regional Tech Hub to discuss their connectivity needs and get personalised advice.

Step 2 - Choose: Primary Producer engages with and selects a connectivity solution from an Approved Supplier.

Step 3 - Quote: Primary Producer receives, then accepts quotes from an Approved Supplier.

Step 4 - Application submission: Approved Supplier submits rebate application.

Step 5 - Application assessment: Business Grants Hub assesses application (estimated 2-6 week turnaround).

Step 6 - Rebate outcome: Approved Supplier and Primary Producer advised.

Step 7 - Invoice: Primary Producer receives invoice at discounted price of up to 50% off from Eligible Equipment Supplier.

Step 8 - Payment: Primary Producer pays invoice.

Step 9 - Equipment installed / shipped: Approved Supplier ships product. If required, an appointment is arranged to install the connectivity solution and/or train the Primary Producer in how to use the connectivity solution.

Step 10 - Rebate claim:  Approved Supplier is required to submit rebate claims to the Business Grants Hub for payment within a 120 day timeframe, or by 31 May 2025, whichever is sooner.

Smith Thornton subscribes to a grant search provider and can help you prepare your grant application. If you have any questions our Business Services Advisor Jenna van Nierop will be happy to assist. You can email her at jennav@smiththornton.com.au or call her on 9842 5155.