What is OFCP Round 3?
The On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Round 3 continues the government's push to improve digital infrastructure in Australian agriculture, targeting farms that lack reliable connectivity for precision management, livestock monitoring, and data-driven decisions.
Eligible projects must involve the purchase and installation of on-farm connectivity hardware. This typically covers satellite internet equipment, IoT sensor networks, weather stations integrated with farm management platforms, livestock tracking hardware, and data logging systems for irrigation or soil monitoring.
Who is eligible for OFCP Round 3?
Eligibility under OFCP Round 3 is designed for working primary producers. To qualify, an applicant must be an individual, partnership, company, or trust that operates a commercial agricultural enterprise on Australian land. The enterprise must derive income from primary production activities including cropping, livestock, horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture, or mixed farming.
Co-contribution is required. OFCP Round 3 operates on a co-investment model where the grant covers a portion of eligible project costs. Applicants should expect to contribute matching or comparable funding from their own resources or through commercial finance arrangements.
What infrastructure does OFCP Round 3 fund?
OFCP Round 3 focuses specifically on connectivity infrastructure rather than general farm equipment. Eligible expenditure categories typically include:
- Satellite internet equipment (dish, modem, installation)
- Fixed wireless broadband hardware and antenna systems
- IoT sensors for soil moisture, weather, and crop monitoring
- Livestock GPS tracking and virtual fencing hardware
- On-farm data aggregation hubs and edge computing devices
- Integration hardware connecting farm sensors to management platforms
Software subscriptions and ongoing service contracts are generally not eligible under OFCP. The program is structured around capital investment in physical infrastructure rather than recurring operational costs.
How does OFCP Round 3 compare to Rounds 1 and 2?
OFCP Rounds 1 and 2 each supported hundreds of Australian farming businesses across all major agricultural regions. Round 3 builds on those programs with a similar structure but updated guidelines reflecting evolving connectivity technology. Satellite broadband — particularly Low Earth Orbit services — has become a more prominent eligible category as coverage and availability have improved across remote agricultural areas.
State-specific OFCP Round 3 information
OFCP Round 3 is a national program but demand and uptake varies considerably by state and agricultural sector. The following pages cover OFCP Round 3 for specific Australian states and territories:
By farm type
Connectivity needs differ significantly between farming enterprises. OFCP Round 3 supports a wide range of primary production types, and the most suitable equipment and project design varies accordingly:
- OFCP Round 3 for grain and cropping farms — precision agriculture sensors, variable-rate application data
- OFCP Round 3 for livestock and grazing enterprises — animal tracking, virtual fencing, water point monitoring
- OFCP Round 3 for horticulture operations — microclimate monitoring, irrigation automation, cold-chain data
Frequently asked questions about OFCP Round 3
Can I apply for OFCP Round 3 if I received a grant in Round 1 or Round 2?
Previous grant recipients may still be eligible for OFCP Round 3 if the new project involves different infrastructure or expands connectivity to additional areas of the property. Confirm current eligibility rules against official DAFF program guidelines before applying.
Does OFCP Round 3 cover labour costs for installation?
Professional installation costs are generally eligible where they form a necessary part of establishing the connectivity infrastructure. Internal labour (farm owner or employees) is typically not an eligible cost category under OFCP guidelines.
Is there a minimum grant amount under OFCP Round 3?
OFCP Round 3 guidelines specify both minimum and maximum grant thresholds. The minimum project cost threshold means OFCP is most relevant for substantive connectivity upgrades rather than small equipment purchases. Check official program documentation for current minimum amounts.
Can a farm business that leases land apply for OFCP Round 3?
Leasehold farming operations may be eligible if the applicant operates a commercial primary production enterprise and meets all other eligibility criteria. Ownership of the land is not always a prerequisite, but the program guidelines specify requirements around the permanence and use of funded infrastructure.
What documentation is typically required for an OFCP application?
OFCP applications generally require proof of primary production activity (e.g. ABN, farm income evidence), quotes from equipment suppliers, a project description explaining the connectivity problem being solved, and evidence that the proposed infrastructure meets program technical specifications.
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Important: This page contains general information only and is not financial product advice, legal advice, tax advice, or a recommendation that any grant, rebate, loan, or program is suitable for you. SmartFarm Finance has not considered your objectives, financial situation, needs, business circumstances, or eligibility. Program details, funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and deadlines may change, and information may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. Always verify details with the relevant official government or provider source before acting or applying, and seek independent professional advice relevant to your circumstances. To the maximum extent permitted by law, SmartFarm Finance disclaims liability for loss arising from use of, or reliance on, this information.