Farm Workforce Program Seeks Partners For Future

The National Farmers’ Federation is seeking industry, corporate and government investment to keep AgCAREERSTART operating beyond the expiry of Commonwealth funding.

Australia’s peak farming body is calling for new investment to secure the future of AgCAREERSTART, a national program designed to introduce young Australians to careers in agriculture.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) says Commonwealth funding for the program is approaching its end, prompting a push for co-investment from agricultural industries, corporate Australia and governments.

AgCAREERSTART provides young Australians aged 18 to 25 with paid, supported farm placements lasting between 10 and 12 months.

Unlike a conventional farm employment placement, participants receive additional training, pastoral support, networking opportunities and career development. Host farmers are also supported throughout the placement.

The program has operated since 2022 and, according to the NFF’s latest figures, has now placed 275 participants on farms around Australia.

The NFF reports a 77 per cent completion rate, while 90 per cent of participants have remained in agricultural employment or progressed to further study.

An evaluation of the program also found substantial economic and social benefits, with a reported return of $5.56 for every $1 invested.

Demand From Young People Growing

Interest in AgCAREERSTART has increased since its establishment.

Applications rose from 117 for the inaugural 2022 cohort to 174 in 2025, while another 137 applications were received for the 2026 cohort.

There are currently 30 participants completing placements on Australian farms.

NFF CEO Michael Guerin said the program had progressed beyond its original pilot phase.

“AgCAREERSTART has moved well beyond a pilot and is now an established workforce capacity program with a track record of results,” Mr Guerin said.

“This is not another labour scheme. It is a supported pathway that introduces young Australians to real careers in agriculture, gives them the confidence and networks to stay, and helps farmers build the next generation of capability on farm.”

Mr Guerin said industry had already provided valuable support, but further investment was required to maintain the program at the scale needed.

Benefits For Farms And Participants

AgCAREERSTART Program Manager Tim Bradley said providing ongoing support was an important part of the program’s approach.

“The difference with AgCAREERSTART is that participants are not simply placed on farm and left to work it out,” Mr Bradley said.

“They receive structured support, training and access to industry networks, while host farmers are supported too.”

Host producer Daniel Kahl, from Wee Waa in NSW, said employing young people through the program had become part of his business structure.

“We see a lot of value investing in young people who are keen on ag, so it is part of our business structure to have those positions every year,” Mr Kahl said.

Some former participants had also returned to work in the business, reducing the amount of retraining required.

The program can provide a pathway for young people with little previous agricultural experience.

Canberra parent Christine Spicer said her daughter Ruby had barely set foot on a farm when she finished Year 12 and applied for AgCAREERSTART.

Ruby is now in her second full year working on a Victorian dairy farm and has undertaken training including welding and safe stock handling.

“She has not only found a career she loves, but also developed skills, confidence and resilience that have transformed her life,” Mrs Spicer said.

Investment Sought By September 30

The NFF is now seeking organisations across the food and fibre supply chain, along with governments and other corporate partners, to help fund the program’s next stage.

Potential partners have been asked to contact AgCAREERSTART by September 30 to discuss investment opportunities.

“Every part of the supply chain has a stake in securing agriculture’s future workforce,” Mr Guerin said.

“If we want young Australians to see agriculture as a career of choice, we need to invest in the programs that give them the chance to start, learn, grow and lead.”

Further information about partnership opportunities is available from the National Farmers’ Federation AgCAREERSTART partnership page.