Applications are open for round one of the Federal Government's On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP), which aims increase the uptake of agtech to boost primary producers' productivity, growth and sustainability.
The $30 million program will provide 50 per cent rebates for the cost of smart farming technology that can help optimise soil quality and nutrient levels, monitor livestock, improve efficiency of water use, streamline farm logistics and boost customer connections throughout the world.
Rebates of between $3,000 and $30,000 are available for a wide range of technology, including external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags, and relevant installation and training costs.
Eligible primary producers can access the discounted prices through the 79 eligible equipment suppliers.
NFF LAUNCHES INFORMATION SERVICE TO COMPLEMENT OFCF
To complement the OFCF, National Farmers' Federation (NFF) launched a free information service last week, which will provide practical support for farmers through its Regional Tech Hub.
The independent information service aims to help farmers navigate the connectivity investment landscape and make informed business decisions and can be utilised via Regional Tech Hub's 1:1 communication channels from 1 November.
Regional Tech Hub Manager, Jen Medway, said information through the On Farm Connectivity Information Service will be tailored for each user.
"The Regional Tech Hub has already supported more than 150,000 people in regional and remote Australia since its inception nearly three years ago," Medway said.
"Our extended service capabilities through the OFCP will mean farmers can pick up the phone or reach out on our website, to talk specifically about their on-farm connectivity requirements - whether that be 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.
"To be able to talk to someone who speaks their language, understands the unique environment in which they operate, and can listen to what they are wanting to achieve with their on-farm connectivity requirements, makes the decision process so much easier.
"We are urging farmers to make use of this free, independent advisory service, as well as our online information toolkit and webinars, so they can confidently participate in the OFCP to access the on-farm connectivity equipment that will make a difference to them, and the running of their business."
While speaking at the NFF National Conference last week the minister for communications, Michelle Rowland, also announced the government's plan to explore ways of improving the delivery of the Universal Service Obligation (USO), including through new technologies.
NFF CEO, Tony Mahar, said the OFCP and USO review will enable farmers to make informed decisions around the connectivity technologies best suited to their business.
