The Minns Government last week announced it would extend its AgSkilled initiative for a further 12 months, with the new program funding to allow hundreds of short courses in agricultural skills to continue.
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.”
Moving forward, Mr Murray said further long-term investment in the training and development of NSW’s agricultural workforce was vital to ensure a strong future for the state’s farming sector.
“Multi-year 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 New South Wales 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.”
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