The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on industry, corporate Australia and governments to help secure the future of AgCAREERSTART, a proven national program building the next generation of Australia’s agricultural workforce.
With Commonwealth funding due to expire, AgCAREERSTART is seeking new and renewed co-investment to keep young Australians moving into agriculture, and to make the program sustainable for the long term.
Delivered by the NFF, AgCAREERSTART connects people aged 18 to 25 directly with paid, supported on-farm placements, complemented by training, networking, pastoral care and career development. Since 2022, the program has placed 275 participants on farms nationwide, achieved a 77% completion rate, retained 90% of participants in agricultural careers or further study, and returned $5.56 for every $1 invested.
Demand is strong. Applications have climbed from 117 in the inaugural 2022 cohort to 174 in 2025, with a further 137 applications for the 2026 cohort and 30 participants currently on farm. Farmers, students, parents and teachers are continuing to back the program because it opens practical, direct pathways into agriculture and supports participants and host farms every step of the way.
Comments attributable to NFF CEO Michael Guerin:
“AgCAREERSTART has moved well beyond a pilot and is now an established workforce capacity program with a track record of results.
“At a time when Australia is having a serious conversation about how we build a stronger domestic workforce, AgCAREERSTART is a practical, proven answer.
“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.
“Industry has already stepped up, and that support is deeply valued. But it is not yet enough to keep AgCAREERSTART operating at the scale Australia needs. We need a shared commitment from industry, corporates and government.”
Comments attributable to AgCAREERSTART Program Manager Tim Bradley:
“The difference with AgCAREERSTART is that participants are not simply placed on farm and left to work it out.
“They receive structured support, training and access to industry networks, while host farmers are supported too. That is why we are seeing such strong retention and why so many young people who may not have had a direct connection to agriculture are finding a future in the sector.”
For corporate partners across the food and fibre supply chain, the opportunity is to invest directly in the people who will help grow, produce and sustain the products Australians rely on every day.
Comments attributable to host producer Daniel Kahl, Wee Waa NSW:
“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.
“They feed into agricultural careers, whether that is heading off to university, studying further or ending up on farms elsewhere in the industry. It is really exciting to give someone a start and see them go on to contribute to our industry.
“Some participants have come back to our business at different times and contributed again. That saves us on training because they are already familiar with the business, what we do and how they can best add to it.”
Comments attributable to participant parent Christine Spicer, Canberra:
“I have seen firsthand the remarkable difference this program can make to a young person’s life.
“When my daughter, Ruby, finished Year 12, she decided to apply. At the time, she had barely set foot on a farm.
“Today, she is into her second full year on a dairy farm in Victoria. She is even considering staying on for a third year. Through AgCAREERSTART, she has not only found a career she loves, but also developed skills, confidence and resilience that have transformed her life.
“Through the program, Ruby has been able to undertake training in welding and safe stock handling, opportunities that have broadened her skills and increased her confidence. She has become a valued member of her workplace and is now one of the main people responsible for managing the calving shed. For someone who had almost no exposure to farming before joining AgCAREERSTART, this is an extraordinary achievement.
“Watching her grow into a confident young woman with a clear sense of purpose has been one of the proudest experiences of my life.”
Key facts
- 275 participants placed on farms nationwide since 2022.
- 77% completion rate across the program.
- 90% retention in agricultural careers or further study.
- $5.56 returned for every $1 invested.
- Participants are aged 18 to 25 and complete a 10–12 month paid on-farm placement.
- Applications have totalled 721 across the 2022 to 2026 cohorts.
The NFF is asking potential partners to contact AgCAREERSTART Program Manager Tim Bradley or the National Farmers’ Federation by 30 September to discuss how their organisation can support the program and help secure its future.
“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.”
Organisations interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact Tim Bradley at tbradley@nff.org.au. The prospectus is available at nff.org.au.