The On Farm Connectivity Program

The Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) is a $30 million initiative over two years to support primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries in adopting connected machinery and sensor technology.

Providing a rebate of 50 per cent of the cost of eligible equipment, including installation and training, with grants of between $3,000 and $30,000 (excluding GST), the OFCP covers digital technologies such as soil moisture probes, water flow and pressure monitors, livestock monitoring systems and pump controllers as well as, associated connectivity equipment.

The Regional Tech Hub works directly with producers using the independent On Farm Connectivity Information Service to help them make informed decisions around the connectivity technologies best suited to their business. The service complements the On Farm Connectivity Program by allowing producers to research their connectivity needs before applying for the grant.

Whether it be determining how to extend connectivity from the house to the machinery shed or yards, or how to support some of the highly sophisticated production networks and systems they wish to adopt, the Information Service provides practical, tailored solutions.

Producers are urged to make use of this free, independent advisory service, so they can confidently participate in the On Farm Connectivity Program and access rebated support for the cost of eligible equipment, including installation and training, to boost the productivity of their business.

1. Producers can utilise the Regional Tech Hub’s 1:1 communication channels to ask questions and seek expert advice. You can get in touch by booking a time to speak with our team, contacting our 1800 hotline, or fill out a simple form and we will get back to you with more information.
2. We also have a variety of resources available for the program. To watch the videos individually visit Regional Tech Hub – YouTube.

   Webinar one: In this practical one-hour webinar, you’ll discover:

   • How to apply for the rebate funding of 50% of connectivity equipment and installation costs
   • Eligibility criteria for the program
   • Real-world examples of equipment covered by the rebate
   • Guidance from experts on choosing the right tech for your operation
   • Plus, learn about the NFF’s free tailored advisory service to make your connectivity upgrade simple and stress-free.

   Webinar two: In this info-packed 60-minutes, you’ll learn:

   • How three approved suppliers (Connected Farms, ArcoFlex & Land Watch Australia) have helped farmers access the grant and improve their farming operation.
   • What are good questions you need to ask a supplier to get the best outcome.
   • How the staff at Regional Tech Hub are providing advice to primary producers across Australia with their OFCP support service.

3. Visit the Australian Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program page.
4. Download a summary of all the information and resources below in our On Farm Connectivity toolkit.
   • Producer Resource Kit
     • Use the following use cases and fact sheets to identify the type of connectivity technology you would like to implement on your property.
     • Contact the Regional Tech Hub for advice on how to connect.
     • Contact the Australian Government and complete your grant application.
   • Examples of use of technology on farm
     • Use-case-1_Longline-Fishing
     • Use-case-3_Walnut-Farm
     • Use-case-4_Marketing-Manager
     • Use-case-5_Oyster-Farmer
   • Factsheets and useful guides
     • On-Farm_Connectivity_Guide
     • Steps in building your on-farm connectivity plan
     • Agri-4.0-connectivity-digital-innovation-australia
     • Factsheet-2_Technology-Options
     • Factsheet-3_Right-solutions-for-your-farm-business
     • Factsheet-4_Connectivity-Equipment
     • Factsheet-5_Environmental-Monitors
     • Factsheet-6_Farm-management-technologies
   • Stakeholder Kit

     The following resources are available to share with producers about the Information Service.

     • On-Farm-Connectivity-Media-Release
     • On-Farm-Connectivity-Key-Messages
     • On-Farm-Connectivity-Newsletter Content
     • On-Farm-Connectivity-Stakeholder-Toolkit
     • Article_Regional-Tech-Hub