Industry giant Nutrien AG says a new scholarship scheme worth $80,000 will help entice young Australians to pursue a career in agriculture, as historic pastoral regions adapt to the needs of tomorrow’s farming industry.
The Nutrien Harvesting the Future Scholarship, which opened on Monday, will support four students as they study a university degree linked to agriculture or agronomy.
Participating universities include the University of Western Australia, Charles Sturt University, University of New England, and Deakin University, which will be free to determine the recruitment and selection process of each scholarship.
The scholarship will provide successful recipients with up to $5,000 per year.
Shelley Nolan, Nutrien AG’s senior director of human resources, said the scholarship was intended to address the shortage of young professionals entering a sector undergoing rapid and significant changes.
“Our work in early career planning is critical to addressing the substantial gaps in Australia’s agriculture workforce,” Nolan said in a statement.
“For every one graduate of an agricultural degree, there are six job vacancies.”
Businesses in regional Australia have struggled to fill vacancies since the COVID-19 pandemic first closed Australia’s borders, and those workforce shortfalls are only magnified in farming communities.
In June, the National Farmers Federation estimated the food supply chain, “from paddock to plate”, is short at least 172,000 workers.
While those regions struggle to find the right workers for today’s conditions, Australia’s farming communities are also keenly aware of the need to adopt fresh technologies to improve productivity and mitigate climate risks.
Welcoming young workers who may not have a deep family history in farming is essential to meeting those challenges, Nolan said.
“This year we have welcomed over 400 people to our business, and many have never actually stepped foot on a farm,” she said.
“When these people sit down for a conversation with a fifth or sixth-generation farmer their diversity in experience, perspective and skillset elevates the solutions we can provide to our farmer customers.
“It’s these conversations that are truly progressing Australian agriculture.”
Senior Business Journalist
Focused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn.
