Extension of AgSkilled program welcomed by farmers

THE NSW Government has announced a $15 million investment to extend the AgSkilled program over the next three years.

Announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the funding will support the continued delivery of practical, hands-on training across key agricultural sectors including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre.

The program is designed to give workers job-ready skills without the time and cost associated with full formal qualifications, while also helping farmers and agribusinesses access a skilled and reliable workforce.

Courses are tailored to seasonal demands and delivered locally, making them accessible for workers and businesses in regional and remote areas.

“Today’s investment means our farmers and agribusinesses have a pipeline of skilled workers ready when they’re needed most,” said Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty.

“With long-term funding, this program can adapt to new technologies, sustainable practices, and the changing needs of NSW agriculture.”

NSW Farmers Young Farmer Council Chair Jess Ryan welcomed the announcement, adding it was great to see the NSW Government listening to farmer feedback on the initiative.

“This is a win for NSW Farmers and for every young person and worker looking to build practical skills in agriculture,” Ms Ryan said.

“For three years we’ve been stuck in stop-start annual funding that makes it hard for training providers to innovate, develop new content, or even keep courses running when farmers actually have time to attend, especially through winter.

“Farm businesses are adopting new technology and new ways of working.

“We need a training system that keeps up, so people can pick up micro-skills quickly and keep productivity moving in the right direction.”

NSW Farmers said the move also recognised a key weakness the organisation had raised with the previous funding model: course schedules shutting down and restarting around the winter period, precisely when many producers could take time off-farm to upskill.

Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the funding extension was a “great outcome” for farmers.

“We are the producers of this country – growing the food, supplying the fibre, and delivering the essential resources Australians rely on every day,” he said.

“Investing in skills and training is investing in the future of farming and ensuring our industries remain productive and sustainable.

“Building up these skills is critical if we want to grow more here in NSW, strengthen our supply chains, and reduce our reliance on overseas imports and other states.”

According to NSW Government data, the program is delivering strong results across regional NSW.

In 2024–25, more than 2,300 participants completed over 770 courses across 188 locations, achieving a 96 percent completion rate.

The previous year saw more than 2,400 participants complete more than 600 courses, with a 96 percent completion rate.