The Albanese Government is continuing to support Aussie farmers with cost of living relief and enhanced productivity, with an additional $20 million investment in a new round of the hugely successful On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
The Albanese Government's flagship ag-tech grants program was informed by the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review that found connectivity gaps were impacting the uptake of technology solutions by primary producers.
This advice was delivered to the previous Liberal / National Government which did nothing to act on it, despite a huge demand for these technologies to modernise the agriculture sector, and set farmers up for the future.
Previous OFCP rounds have provided rebates of up to 50 per cent for eligible equipment and technology - worth up to $30,000 - for farmers to implement smarter, better connected, more sustainable farming solutions.
OFCP Round 3 brings total investment by the Albanese Government in the program to $53 million, equating to more than $100 million worth of ag-tech related equipment purchases across Australia.
Thousands of farmers have taken advantage of this innovative program to date, enhancing on-farm connectivity to monitor activity with real-time data, improve safety and increase productivity on their farms.
These ag-tech solutions are assisting farmers to optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, automate tank systems and safeguard farming equipment and supplies.
Following the success of OFCP Round 1, the Albanese Government boosted Round 2 funding to $18 million in 2024, and expanded eligibility criteria so more farmers could take part.
Round 3 will open for applications later in 2025, with grant funding to be delivered in 2025-26.
Ahead of Round 3 opening for applications, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will review the grant guidelines and processes to ensure the program is optimising opportunities for farmers and best addressing connectivity gaps.
This includes consultation with the agriculture industry and local communities on how the program can be further improved, including discussions already underway with the National Farmers' Federation.
The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government's $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, delivering improved connectivity and communications resilience across the country.
