The NSW Government funding was unveiled last week at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and is aimed at ensuring farmers and agribusinesses across the state continue to have access to skilled, job-ready workers.
It responds to growing workforce pressures across agriculture and is designed to support productivity, competitiveness and long-term resilience in the sector.
AgSkilled provides practical, hands-on training across key industries including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre.
The short courses allow workers to gain essential, job-specific skills without the time or financial burden of completing full qualifications.
With the new funding, training providers will be able to offer courses when and where they are needed most, better aligning training delivery with seasonal work demands.
The expansion is expected to improve access to training opportunities in regional and remote parts of NSW.
The program has already delivered strong results.
In 2024-25, more than 2300 participants completed more than 770 courses across 188 locations, achieving a 96 per cent completion rate.
The previous year saw more than 2400 participants complete more than 600 courses, delivering the same high completion outcome.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the investment would ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the industry.
“The investment means our farmers and agribusinesses have skilled workers ready when they're needed most,'' she said.
“With long-term funding, the program can adapt to new technologies, sustainable practices and the changing needs of NSW agriculture.''
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin welcomed the continued support, noting the program also encourages further education and career progression within the sector.
For more information or to register interest, visit nsw.gov.au/agskilled.
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