Grants Update – On Farm Connectivity Program

Overview

This program aims to assist primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety. It forms part of the $656 million Better Connectivity Plan which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.

The objectives of the program are to:

• 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.

Rebates between $3,000 and $30,000 (GST exclusive) are available offsetting 50% of the cost of eligible equipment item/s listed at Appendix B of the Guidelines.

A total funding pool of $30 million is available, of which $15 million is allocated in 2023-24 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Applicants can claim more than one rebate where the eligible primary producer has multiple properties with a separate ABN for each primary production property.

Applicants must submit the application and submit the claim for rebate by 31 May 2024.

Eligible Activities

Eligible expenditure include:

• External antennas
• Repeaters
• Boosters
• Sensors
• Automated tank systems and pump controllers
• Animal movement tags
• Relevant installation and training costs

Eligible projects 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 of the Guidelines to an eligible primary producer (see Appendix C of the Guidelines).
• Sell, install and deliver eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment to the eligible primary producer at 50% of the purchase price up to $60,000. Will consider outperforming arcDUG status. Primary producers may spend more than $60,000, and there is no limit to the amount they may spend, however the rebate will not exceed $30,000.
• Have at least $6,000 (GST exclusive) in total eligible expenditure.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligible expenditure.

Who Can Apply ?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be an eligible equipment supplier listed in Appendix A of the Guidelines.
• Supply an eligible connectivity solution and the associated eligible equipment as listed in Appendix B of the Guidelines to an eligible primary producer (as defined in Appendix C of the Guidelines).
• Be able to supply the eligible connectivity solution and associated eligible equipment to the eligible primary producer within 60 days of the sale/purchase.
• Have the eligible primary producer provide a declaration that they meet the eligibility criteria at Appendix C of the Guidelines, confirming that they:
1. Are a registered business and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
2. 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.
3. Are not a hobby farmer.
4. Operate an eligible primary production activity listed at Appendix D of the Guidelines.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/on-farm-connectivity-program#key-documents