Skills funding for plant industries of $15 million

The NSW Government has committed $15 million to up-skill NSW primary producers across plant-based sectors of the agricultural industry over the next three years.

Following the success of the first round of AgSkilled, which was delivered to the grains and cotton industries, the second round of the program is now available to NSW primary producers in the plant-based fibre, grains, production horticulture, viticulture and rice growing industries. 

NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said that “these expanded opportunities are targeted directly at emerging needs and skill gaps that have been identified by industry, which means the state’s agricultural businesses can get a leg up when hiring skilled labour.”

Reflecting on COVID-19’s impact on labour, Minister Marshall said that it’s critical to develop locally-based workers for the agricultural sector.

“This will give them crucial training on the header, cultivating soil and plant health in the paddock, using new technology and more,” he said.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall

AgSkilled 2.0 specifically aims to attract, develop and retain a productive workforce to underpin continued growth of plant industries in NSW, and support career progression, entry pathways and employment outcomes across the wider agricultural industry and regional NSW economy.

The program will support primary producers and their workforce to develop production, technology, business and safety skills to increase farm productivity and profitability, as well as developing industry capacity to adopt new technologies and sustainable farming practices.

Training is tailored and delivered to suit business needs, and can be designed to suit a range of skills and experience. It covers areas such as farm production, business management, workplace health and safety, precision agriculture, leadership and management, and farm machinery operation and maintenance.

For employers, AgSkilled 2.0 allows you to build the productivity of your business by upskilling existing workers and providing new industry entrants with training in the skills you need, now and into the future.

If you’re already working in the agriculture sector or are looking to start a career on-farm, AgSkilled 2.0 will help you gain the skills employers want with industry relevant and up-to-date training.

 “Our farming businesses are the best in the world, and with programs like AgSkilled 2.0 they will have the workforce to match,” Minister Marshall said.

AgSkilled 2.0 is supported by Cotton Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Horticulture Innovation Australia, NSW Wine Industry Association and Ricegrowers Association of Australia.

More information on the program is available here. If you enjoyed this feature, you might enjoy our story on the emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme.