NFF launches ag gap year program

In conjunction with National Agriculture Day (November 19, 2021), the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has announced AgCAREERSTART, a unique program designed to foster Australian agriculture’s next generation.

The program coincides with this year’s National Ag Day theme of ‘Choose Your AgVenture’ that explores the wide-ranging career opportunities in agriculture.

According to NFF CEO, Tony Mahar, an agriculture gap year has been a central component of the NFF’s 2030 Roadmap.

"We’re pleased to be announcing this new opportunity for young Australians, providing them with a new avenue for a career in our sector," he said.

"Demonstrating the diverse, exciting roles on offer in agriculture is a priority for the NFF and AgCAREERSTART is doing exactly that.

"Through the leadership of Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, AgCAREERSTART will offer new opportunities for school leavers and young Australians across the country."

The NFF has teamed up with multiple organisations and government departments including the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, AgriFutures, Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) and NFF Members across Australia to create and deliver this program.

Through AgCAREERSTART, participants will be employed under award wages on qualified farms for up to 12 months. Participants will receive safety training and relocation assistance.

The program will also provide an opportunity to build skills and qualifications that young people can use in high-skill roles in Australian agriculture, NFF said.

"Australian agriculture is a modern industry with diverse and rewarding opportunities. AgCAREERSTART will showcase these opportunities through hands-on experience to people who might otherwise not consider the industry,” Mahar said.

"AgCAREERSTART not only provides school leavers a chance to get out in the bush and try their hand at farm work but also an opportunity to gain important skills that they can use in other agriculture careers.

"By fostering opportunities between agriculture and young people, the NFF is building long-term connections and careers that will ultimately benefit the industry long after the gap year.

"The NFF-led goal for agriculture to be a $100 billion by 2030 industry depends on a skilled workforce of the future. AgCAREERSTART will be a key component of building this workforce and delivering on NFF’s target to increase agriculture's available workforce by 25 per cent by 2030."

Through a delivery partnership with Cotton Australia, Dairy Australia, GrainGrowers Limited, NSW Farmers, NT Farmers, Primary Producers SA and the Victorian Farmers' Federation, the NFF will deliver a diverse and deeply embedded program in regional networks.

"Through this support, AgCAREERSTART will be a program that is truly representative of Australian agriculture that provides the best experiences for participants,” Mahar said.

At the end of the gap year, participants will have access to ongoing support through an alumni network, career advice, and the potential of continuing employment and seasonal work opportunities.

NFF stresses a career in ag is more than just growing crops or breeding livestock.  

"On National Ag Day, we’re kick starting a conversation about the opportunities in our food and fibre industries and challenging Aussies to ‘Choose their AgVenture’,” said NFF President, Fiona Simson.

"There are careers in fields as diverse as animal husbandry, finance, digital technology, science, machine operation, marketing, trade and policy development.

“Full-time jobs, part-time jobs, seasonal work – there are so many ways to get involved in agriculture and to play a role in feeding and clothing the world, sustaining our regional economies and powering the economy."

Simson said worker shortages in the horticulture sector were much talked about and had become particularly critical with COVID-19 restrictions, but the shortages were not limited to seasonal on-farm work.

"It is a widespread problem that, as an industry, we have to address with urgency and focus.

"It's a challenge that each individual can contribute to solving, by creating an awareness of the pathways on offer.”