NSW Farmers encourages young people to upskill in agriculture as the state government announces a new 5-million-dollar boost to the AgSkilled program.
On Thursday, the State Government announced it will extend its AgSkilled initiative for a further twelve months, with the new program funding to allow hundreds of short courses in agricultural skills to continue.
NSW Government says local success stories are already emerging. At Bellevue Pastoral Co in Narrabri, staff have accessed AgSkilled-funded training in everything from first-aid to truck licensing and chemical use, improving safety, upskilling workers, and lifting the company’s operational capacity.
Elizabeth Smart from Bellevue Pastoral Co said AgSkilled has been a valuable investment.
“The training has helped improve safety, build capability, and support career development across our team,” she said.
“We’re seeing the benefits of AgSkilled not just on our properties but in the broader community. It supports productivity and gives our workers confidence and expertise.”
Funding will ensure TAFE NSW and other training providers can continue to deliver free or low-cost, industry-aligned training that helps regional economies grow now and into the future.
NSW Young Farmers Chair Martin Murray said the funding injection could help thousands of current and future farmers or farm employees to develop vital skills for the future.
“Producing food and fibre is no easy job, and there’s all sorts of things Aussie farmers need to be skilled in to have, or be part of, a successful farm business,” Mr Murray said.
“From safe chemical use to farm machinery operation and even emerging technologies, AgSkilled’s courses go a long way to helping our farmers and our agricultural industry grow the fresh, healthy, sustainable produce our nation needs.”
Mr Murray said further investment in the training and development of the New South Wales agricultural workforce was vital to ensure a strong future for the state’s farming sector.
“Long term funding for the AgSkilled program is what we really need to get this proven training model to provide long term gains to everyone in agriculture, including both the livestock and plant sectors,” Mr Murray said.
“If the NSW Government wants to deliver the Primary Industries Workforce Strategy and all its benefits, then continued investment in these initiatives is the only way forward.
“The next generation of farmers has endless potential, and so does our broader agricultural workforce – but we need the opportunities to upskill if we are to attract and retain strong talent within the sector.”
Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said regional communities are at the heart of the economy.
“Programs like AgSkilled are helping ensure they have the skills to thrive,” she said.
“This investment supports the next generation of farmers and producers to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, while also creating real career opportunities for people in regional NSW.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said the $5 million extension means more regional workers can get the training they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector.
“AgSkilled is a great example of how government and industry can work together to strengthen our workforce and grow regional economies,” he said.
More information at AgSkilled Program.
NSW Farmers and NSW Government media releases
