High school students in regional NSW are getting firsthand experience using the latest tech like drone mapping and artificial intelligence as part of the Minns Labor Government initiative to boost skills and employment in the Agriculture Technology (AgTech) industry.
This program is part of the NSW Government's commitment to expanding opportunities for youth in regional NSW and growing our primary industries.
Up to 1,500 students are taking part in programs designed to help develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) and Agriculture, learning about the latest innovations and research in AgTech.
The program offers students an opportunity to visit Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research institutes and participate in hands-on learning at TAFE NSW where they design model smart farms, use drone mapping, and learn to use data and artificial intelligence to analyse weather patterns.
One of the larger AgTech events, AgVision Yanco, was held on 11 September, and gave students in the Riverina-Murray the opportunity to engage in workshops with industry professionals and learn specific agriculture skills.
It comes ahead of the AgTech Innovation Summit on 24 September at the University of New England SMART Farm, where industry partners will coach and mentor student teams to harness their design thinking and entrepreneurial skills to develop new innovations for agriculture.
Developing a significant AgTech workforce is essential for primary industries to address the many challenges of now and the future such as increasing costs, climate change, biosecurity and productivity.
Not only will agriculture workers and farmers need to be AgTech savvy but there will need to be a sustainable AgTech sector developing hardware and software products and providing maintenance.
The AgTech workforce development effort is part of the NSW Government's ongoing work to invest in skills and employment to future-proof the agriculture sector. It is being delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Training Services NSW in partnership with TAFE NSW, University of New England, Charles Sturt University and AusAgritech
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting the growth of the AgTech sector as part of its efforts to build a highly skilled workforce to drive innovation and efficiency in the state's critical agriculture industry.
"Agriculture is an 'engine room' industry in NSW. Farmers across the state produce more than $17 billion worth of food and fibre every year. Agricultural technology, 'AgTech', is vital to the ongoing success of the agricultural industry for our state.
"AgTech is transforming the agriculture industry across the globe and it's essential that NSW has the relevant skills to ensure we remain a world leader in the field.
"Developing a workforce of the future is critical to solving talent gaps for employers and create opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the industry."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"This ground-breaking collaboration between government and industry across secondary schools, VET and higher education highlights the shared responsibility in influencing young people's career choices to meet industry needs and provide exciting job opportunities accessible through a range of pathways.
"In NSW, the agriculture industry is a strong contributor to the economy and plays an integral role in the prosperity of regional communities.
"By developing highly skilled workforce, NSW AgTech companies can become more internationally competitive and continue to provide regional employment opportunities."
Chris Wilkins, AusAgritech Secretary said:
"Australia has the potential to be a global leader in AgTech. To achieve this, we must invest in the next generation of regional innovators.
"The AgTech Workforce Development Strategy for NSW addresses critical skills gaps, enhances STEM attraction, and fosters collaboration between research and entrepreneurial communities, particularly in regional areas. The Australian Agritech Association is committed to supporting its successful implementation and ensuring a robust, skilled workforce for the future."
Stephanie Kliendienst, Year 10 student at Armidale Secondary College, said:
"The Agmentation session was really fun and informative. It was really good to work with people I don't usually work with, and it gave me a good impression of how it is in a work environment.
"It also showed me how much of a help Artificial Intelligence can be in agriculture. Getting to share our ideas and opinions was a good way to engage with the work."
For more information on the AgTech Innovation Summit, visit: www.unesri.com.au/agtech.
