NSW Farmers is encouraging young people to upskill in agriculture as it prepares for a leadership changeover at their forthcoming conference.
On Thursday the NSW Government announced it would extend its AgSkilled initiative for a further twelve months, with the new program funding to allow hundreds of short courses in agricultural skills to continue. The $5 million boost to the AgSkilled program could help thousands of current and future farmers or farm employees to develop vital skills for the future, according to NSW Young Farmers Chair ad local farmer Martin Murray.
“Producing food and fibre is no easy job, and there’s all sorts of things Aussie farmers need to be skilled in to have, or be part of, a successful farm business,” Mr Murray said.
“From safe chemical use to farm machinery operation and even emerging technologies, AgSkilled’s courses go a long way to helping our farmers and our agricultural industry grow the fresh, healthy, sustainable produce our nation needs.”
Moving forward, Mr Murray said further long-term investment in the training and development of NSW’s agricultural workforce was vital to ensure a strong future for the state’s farming sector.
“Multi-year funding for the AgSkilled program is what we really need to get this proven training model to provide long term gains to everyone in agriculture, including both the livestock and plant sectors,” Mr Murray said.
It comes as NSW Farmers itself looks to find its next generation of leaders to advocate for the future of farming in the state at it’s Annual General Conference later this month.
Board roles open for nomination include three directors positions and the treasurer, while at least 14 positions on the organisation’s Executive Council will be decided at Conference. Three committee members for the Workplace Relations Advisory Committee are also needed, with 63 positions on the Executive Council Advisory Committees to be decided via online ballot after the conclusion of Annual Conference, including:
- Business, Economics and Trade Committee (eight positions)
- Cattle Committee (seven positions)
- Conservation and Resource Management Committee (eight positions)
- Wool Committee (eight positions)
- Grains Committee (eight positions)
- Rural Affairs Committee (eight positions)
- Sheepmeats Committee (eight positions)
- Agricultural Science Committee (five positions)
- Animal Welfare Committee (three positions)
Moree farmer Oscar Pearse, who will finish up his two year term on the NSW Farmers Association board at this year’s Conference, has taken to his socials to encourage others to put their hand up and get involved in the leadership of the organisation.
“A bit like pulling down an old fence, it’s a bit of work, but it’s incredibly valuable, and it will make things better,” Pearse said.
“It’s time folks, put your hand up.”
The NSW Farmers Annual General Conference will be held in Sydney on July 22 and 23. More information is available on the conference website.
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