Attracting, training and retaining workers in Queensland’s agriculture industry is the focus of a five-year plan launched by Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer today.
A joint initiative of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), Jobs Queensland (JQ) and the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RJSA), the Queensland Agriculture Industry Workforce Plan 2022-2027 covers the current and emerging workforce needs of the grazing, horticulture, cropping and aquaculture agribusiness sectors.
“In 2020-21 Queensland’s primary industries were estimated to contribute more than $20 billion in total value to our state economy and we want to ensure the sector keeps growing and is ready to take advantage of emerging opportunities,” Minister Farmer said.
She said the resilience and capability of this sector to survive long droughts, extensive flooding and Covid-19 disruptions, while continuing to deliver for local and international markets, has been truly impressive.
“This workforce plan will be a welcome sign for our farmers and food processors who have been working hard to find workforce solutions in a rapidly changing landscape,” Minister Farmer said.
CEO of the Queensland Farmers’ Federation Jo Shephard said the future sustainability and growth for Queensland agriculture are dependent on being able to attract and retain a highly trained and skilled workforce.
“As the industry continues to modernise, a skilled and appropriately trained workforce, prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, are critical for the industry to remain competitive,” said Ms Shephard.
“The workforce shortage is having a day-to-day impact on businesses across the agricultural sector.
The collaboration between QFF, JQ and RJSA is incredibly valuable bringing key stakeholders together to put our collective shoulders to the wheel on this important issue for our farmers, regional communities and agriculture more broadly.”
Minister Farmer said the plan builds on some important partnerships and investments made by the Queensland Government into the agriculture sector in recent years.
“This includes our Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools project, which has engaged with 77 schools this year — up from 32 schools a few years ago — to inform students of the range of career paths available and connect them with industry partners to guide their training and employment plans once they finish school,” she said.
“This ensures current and future workers for the sector can access cutting edge training in fit-for-purpose facilities.
“Launching this plan is an important step but the important work is ahead of us.
For further information on the Queensland Agriculture Industry Workforce Plan 2022-2027 visit www.qff.org.au/projects/agriculture-workforce-plan.
