OFCP Round 3 · Tasmania

OFCP Round 3 for Tasmanian farmers

Tasmanian primary producers — from the dairy and beef operations of the North West Coast to the horticultural enterprises of the Huon Valley and the wool and grain farms of the Midlands — are eligible for OFCP Round 3 grants of up to $100,000 for on-farm connectivity infrastructure.

Is OFCP Round 3 available to Tasmanian producers?

Yes. The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 is open to eligible primary producers in Tasmania on the same terms as all other Australian states and territories. DAFF administers the program nationally and Tasmanian producers apply through the same federal process.

Up to $100,000 Maximum OFCP Round 3 grant available to eligible Tasmanian primary producers

Tasmania's agricultural sector is characterised by intensive, high-value production. Dairy operations on the North West Coast, irrigated vegetables and berries across the northern Midlands, poppy and grain production, and wine grapes in the Tamar Valley and Coal River regions all represent agricultural systems where real-time connectivity delivers measurable management advantages.

What connectivity challenges exist in Tasmanian agriculture?

Tasmania's terrain creates meaningful connectivity gaps despite the state's relatively compact geography. Properties in the Central Highlands, the Southwest wilderness fringe, and parts of the Western Tiers face limited terrestrial mobile and broadband coverage. Even in agricultural regions with better coverage, the bandwidth available is often insufficient for the data-intensive precision agriculture systems modern Tasmanian operations are adopting.

North West Coast One of Australia's most intensive dairy regions, where connectivity infrastructure for automated milking data and herd management systems is in high demand

Tasmanian horticulture in particular faces data management challenges. The state's berry, brassica, and specialty vegetable industries depend on precise irrigation, cold-chain monitoring, and rapid pest and disease response — all of which benefit from connected sensor infrastructure. OFCP Round 3 provides a direct funding pathway for this class of investment.

Which Tasmanian farm types align with OFCP Round 3?

  • Dairy (North West Coast, Circular Head) — automated milking system connectivity, herd health monitoring hardware, effluent and pasture management sensors
  • Irrigated horticulture (Midlands, North) — irrigation automation data, microclimate sensor networks, cold storage monitoring, pack-house environment systems
  • Beef and sheep (Midlands, East Coast) — livestock tracking hardware, virtual fencing, water point monitoring, remote pasture assessment data
  • Wine grapes (Tamar Valley, Coal River) — vineyard microclimate networks, soil moisture sensors, automated irrigation control data systems
$10.2 million Total OFCP Round 3 national pool — Tasmanian producers compete with applicants from all mainland states and territories

Does the Tasmanian Government offer complementary agricultural grants?

The Tasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture operate programs supporting farm productivity and digital innovation. The Tasmanian Government's Agri-Growth Loans and the Primary Industries Water Irrigation Scheme have historically complemented federal programs. Producers should check current NRE Tas and Business Tasmania grant portals alongside OFCP Round 3 eligibility.

OFCP Round 3 TAS — frequently asked questions

Can a Tasmanian salmon or trout aquaculture operation apply for OFCP Round 3?

Aquaculture is a recognised primary production activity. Tasmanian salmon and trout farming operations may be eligible provided the proposed connectivity infrastructure supports on-farm management. Water quality monitoring systems, automated feeding data platforms, and biosecurity alerting hardware would be typical eligible project components.

Is a poppy or pyrethrum growing operation eligible for OFCP Round 3 in Tasmania?

Horticultural and specialty crop enterprises including poppies and pyrethrum are primary production activities eligible for OFCP consideration. Connectivity infrastructure that supports crop monitoring, irrigation management, or precision application of inputs would align with program objectives.

Can a Tasmanian producer who received a previous DAFF grant apply for OFCP Round 3?

Previous DAFF program recipients are not automatically excluded from OFCP Round 3. Eligibility depends on the current OFCP Round 3 guidelines and whether the proposed project represents a new connectivity infrastructure investment distinct from previously funded work.

Does OFCP Round 3 cover the installation of connectivity infrastructure in a pack shed or cool store on a Tasmanian horticulture property?

Infrastructure installed in farm buildings including pack sheds and cool stores may be eligible if the primary purpose is agricultural operations monitoring and management. The connectivity component — sensors, data loggers, communication hardware — would need to form the substantive part of the funded project.

What support does the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture provide for OFCP applications?

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) provides extension services and may be able to assist producers in framing connectivity projects and understanding program requirements. TIA staff can be a useful starting point for Tasmanian producers who want to understand how digital agriculture investments like OFCP projects translate to farm-level outcomes.

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