The implementation of the $450,000 Agricultural Skills Plan election commitment is part of the Liberal Government's plan to grow the annual farm gate value of produce in the state to $10 billion by 2050 and create jobs.
Our primary industries are a valuable competitive strength and that's why we're investing more than $6.5 million over four years through the Cultivating Prosperity in Agriculture policy.
"To grow our primary industries we need people with the right skills. That is why we are investing in the future workforce," the Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said.
"We are pleased to today launch the $450,000 investment to implement an Agricultural Skills Plan, which will be spearheaded by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.
"The Agricultural Skills Plan will directly involve the agricultural industry in setting the training and skills priorities to ensure there is a job-ready workforce to meet their growing demands.
"It will also promote the diversity of career pathways into agriculture – from traditional on-farm roles to wider agribusiness, scientific, technology, marketing or professional services careers.
"Importantly the plan is also about improved and increased jobs and pathways into agriculture for youth in rural and regional Tasmania.
"Industry leadership is critical. As part of our election commitment to establish a representative body to advise on agricultural training needs, a new Workforce Development Implementation Reference Panel will be charged with providing advice and feedback on the quality, effectiveness, relevance and future training priorities.
"As the Minister for Primary Industries I will shortly be inviting a broad range of stakeholders from across agriculture to participate on the Panel."
Additional support will be provided by Skills Tasmania, in the Department of State Growth, and AgriGrowth Tasmania, in the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
"Our investment in training and workforce development will be guided by strong industry engagement," the Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom said.
"It's vital that we move towards training that is influenced by the job market and industry, through workforce development plans like this.
"This is not just about credentials; it is about ensuring Tasmanians have the skills for real jobs."
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
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