AgCAREERSTART Program Sees Record Participation as It Navigates Uncertain Funding Future

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) celebrates a new milestone with its AgCAREERSTART gap-year program, hosting 80 participants for 2024, demonstrating an impressive 83% retention rate of graduates continuing in the agriculture industry. Despite this success, the program’s future hangs in balance as funding beyond 2025 remains unconfrmed, prompting the NFF to seek commitment from the Federal Government in the upcoming May Budget.

On-the-Ground Impact

Daniel Gierek and Duke Richardson, two Sydney-siders and friends, embarked on their gap year not expecting to fall in love with agricultural life. After discovering AgCAREERSTART at the Western Sydney Careers Expo, they found themselves working together on a macadamia farm near Maryborough, QLD. “I’ve loved every second of it,” said Daniel, noting his adaptation to farm life and the welcoming community.

Duke shared similar sentiments, stating, “AgCAREERSTART caught my eye because it looked like it would open more doors, with networking and education opportunities.”

Both participants have embraced the farming lifestyle and are considering how this experience might shape their future career paths.

A Host Farmer’s

Insight Sam Heagney, a Mungindi farmer and three-year veteran host of the program, refects positively on his experiences with AgCAREERSTART participants. “It’s been great for us as a gateway to welcoming more young people into our business,” Heagney said. He appreciates the fresh perspectives and energy young participants bring, even as they navigate the steep learning curve of farm work.

Since its inception, AgCAREERSTART has seen 180 young Australians take up posts on farms across the country, with participants benefting from hands-on agricultural experience. The program has grown from placing 30 participants in its pilot year in 2022 to 80 in 2024. However, the NFF is now advocating for sustained funding to ensure the program can continue its success.

Tony Mahar, CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation, emphasized the importance of the program: “We know there is a demand to bring future farmers into the industry and the program’s success rate speaks for itself. What we really need now is for the Federal Government to commit to further funding in the budget to provide certainty and ensure the program’s future.”

For Daniel and Duke, the program has not only been a gateway to new experiences but also a catalyst for reevaluating their career aspirations. Both are keen to maximize their AgCAREERSTART bursary by engaging in further training and attending industry events, broadening their understanding of the sector.

Applications for the 2025 AgCAREERSTART program will open from 22 July to 29 September 2024. Host farmers are encouraged to apply now to become part of this enriching initiative. For more information, visit agcareerstart.com. au or engage with the AgCAREERSTART team at the upcoming Beef Week from May 7-11.

2024 AgCAREERSTART participants Daniel Gierek (left) and Duke Richardson at FutureAG encapsulate the vibrant new face of agriculture, poised to possibly defne its future.