Industry groups on the Atherton Tablelands will work together to address a reported significant decline in the availability of experienced workers across all agricultural sectors.
The move follows an Agricultural Roundtable hosted by Tablelands Futures Corporation (TFC), which will join forces with the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) to make training of the next generation of growers and workforce in the region, a top priority.
TFC will work in partnership with QAWN’s Leanne Kruss and key stakeholders in the sugarcane, dairy, pork, fisheries and fresh produce industries.
TFC chair Michael Lawrence said farmers at the roundtable event reported a need for training in specific skill sets including machinery, stock handling, on-the-job training and bio-security protocols.
“The region needs to be retaining our youth and making them aware of the career pathways and opportunities available to them in the industry,” Mr Lawrence said.
“Agriculture is a sector poised to provide countless jobs and major growth in our community and economy.
“We want to provide the connections and network to allow investment in our youth and to be at the forefront of innovation and niche business opportunities.
“There needs to be more school training for crop cultivation and horticulture, as well as clear incentives for school leavers to stay in the region and to be trained on the land.
“These are the people who will likely become the next generation of successful growers.”
TFC will investigate the creation of farming internships, early education pathways, provide a link for several industries to network and coordinate training needs, partner with universities and establish funding for horticultural training projects.
Other issues discussed at the recent roundtable included collating data on the long-term and short-term effects of dry weather, basic animal handling skills and the ability to operate machinery.
