Tara Moriarty
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Regional New South Wales
Minister for Western New South Wales
Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
MEDIA RELEASE
AgSkilled extension delivers vital training opportunities for farmers and ag workers
Thursday, 10 July 2025
The Minns Labor Government is backing regional NSW with a $5 million injection into the AgSkilled program by extending the acclaimed initiative for another 12 months and delivering on its promise to grow the State's agriculture and horticulture workforce.
This investment will give more farmers, producers, and workers access to cutting-edge training that meets the needs of a fast-charging industry, from mastering on-farm technology to improving safety, sustainability, and productivity.
Over the past year along, AgSkilled has powered training for more than 2,300 participants across 188 locations, achieving an impressive 94% completion rate through 768 courses run by 33 endorsed providers, including TAFE NSW.
The program is also helping to attract a new generation to the sector, with one in four participants under 25, and one in four being female.
Local success stories are already emerging. at Bellevue Pastoral Co in Narrabri, staff have accessed AgSkilled-funded training in everything from first aid to truck licensing and chemical use, improving safety, upskilling workers, and lifting the company's operational capacity.
This funding will ensure TAFE NSW and other training providers can continue to deliver free or low-cost, industry-aligned training that helps regional economies grow now and into the future.
For more information on the AgSkilled program, please visit here.
Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Regional communities are at the heart of our economy, and programs like AgSkilled are helping ensure they have the skills to thrive.
"This investment supports the next generation of farmers and producers to adopt sustainable and innovative practices, while also creating real career opportunities for people in regional NSW."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:
"This $5 million extension means more regional workers and get the training they need to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving agricultural sector.
"AgSkilled is a great example of how government and industry can work together to strengthen our workforce and grow regional economies.
Elizabeth Smart from Bellevue Pastoral Co said:
"AgSkilled has been a valuable investment in our people and me. The training has helped improve safety, build capability, and support career development across our team.
"We're seeing the benefits of AgSkilled not just one our properties but in the broader community. It supports productivity and gives our workers confidence and expertise."
