Funding Secured to Strengthen Agricultural Workforce Skills

A major funding commitment is expected to boost agricultural training opportunities across New South Wales, with a renewed focus on workforce development.

The state government has confirmed a three-year, 15-million-dollar investment in the AgSkilled program, providing greater certainty for training providers and participants.

NSW Farmers says the move ends years of short-term funding arrangements that disrupted course delivery and limited access for regional workers.

Young Farmer Council Chair Jess Ryan says consistent funding will allow providers to plan ahead, expand course offerings, and better align training with farmers’ availability.

The AgSkilled program delivers short, practical courses designed to help workers quickly build skills, particularly as farm businesses adopt new technologies.

Industry leaders say the long-term commitment will play a key role in attracting and retaining a skilled agricultural workforce, supporting productivity and growth across the sector.