As part of the Minn Government's plan to strengthen the State's primary industry sector the Government is calling on stakeholders to provide feedback on the development of an industry-wide strategy designed to create a more resilient and skilled NSW primary industries workforce.
The consultation, which was a 2023 election commitment, is an important step in ensuring the NSW agriculture and primary industries have a workforce suited for the constant changes within the State's $20 billion primary industries sector.
Consultation on the proposed NSW Primary Industries Workforce Strategy 2025-2030 has opened today, with key stakeholders across the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry industries urged to review and provide advice and input into the strategy to ensure it is fit for purpose.
The proposed strategy identifies three key priority areas for government and industry to concentrate their actions, including improving business management, adaptability and innovation, fostering a diverse workforce accessible across NSW and building on careers and capabilities across the industry.
Your feedback via the Have Your Say website closes on 30 April 2025:
www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/primary-industries-Workforce-Strategy
NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Tara Moriarty said:
"Once the strategy has been finalised, all industry stakeholders will have an opportunity to develop plans, initiatives and programs that deliver the shared vision for a highly skilled and versatile NSW agriculture workforce.
"We're pleased to launch this consultation today and I encourage all stakeholders to get involved. This consultation will play a big part in helping coordinate workforce strategies between both government and industry.
"It's important to highlight the wide range of rewarding careers available in primary industries.
"The NSW primary industry sector is full of opportunity and innovation and together, we can develop plans that support and sustain the workforce that is vital to the sector's growth."
NSW Farmers' Association President Xavier Martin said:
NSW Farmers' is pleased to see this election commitment come to fruition and take this key step in creating a more resilient and skilled workforce across the agriculture industry.
"We know farmers play a vital role in feeding and clothing people both here and abroad, and that's why having a strong agricultural workforce strategy is so important.
"We look forward to providing feedback to ensure the strategy is robust and relevant."
