NSW government launches $1.4m agtech grant program for farmers

The New South Wales government has launched the $1.4 million Smart Farming Program to assist primary producers within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The initiative provides grants covering 70 per cent of the cost of eligible agricultural technologies, with individual grants reaching up to $35,000.

Eligible technologies include drones, soil and water sensors, livestock and crop monitoring tools, electric fencing monitors, site security platforms, and fuel tank sensors. The funding also supports connectivity devices designed to facilitate real-time data access and remote asset management.

Energy Minister Penny Sharpe stated that the program aims to reduce prohibitive upfront costs and ensure communities hosting renewable energy infrastructure receive tangible benefits. This initiative is part of a larger $128 million investment in community benefits for the Central West Orana REZ, which also includes $14.5 million for telecommunications infrastructure improvements.

To apply, producers must complete an Agtech Fundamentals workshop through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Farms of the Future Program. Similar funding structures are currently being consulted for the New England and South West REZs, with potential rollouts expected within the next six to 12 months.