Agri-Food
The Agri-Food industry is vital to the Australian economy and includes important sectors related to agriculture, rural industries, food manufacturing and the environment. In 2001, the industry accounted for almost 14 per cent of all non-metropolitan workers, and continues to be among the largest employers in rural areas.
Over the last decade there has been a rapid increase in the share of Agri-Food workers with post-school qualifications gained through vocational education and training. The proportion of university graduates has also grown, with the number of graduates in agriculture almost tripling between 1984 and 2004.
Under Career Advice Australia, the Agri-Food industry covers five main sectors:
- agriculture
- service to agriculture; hunting and trapping
- forestry and logging
- commercial fishing
- food, beverage and tobacco production.
Employment in the industry is on the rise and is predicted to continue growing over the next 10 years. Certain sectors are facing enormous growth and will provide a large number of job opportunities for young people in future years. For example, it has been estimated that there will be a need for up to 13 000 additional, full-time workers in the forestry and logging sector by 2010 as timber supply demands increase. Agriculture, and food and beverage manufacturing also have significant potential.
Compared to other industries in Australian, Agri-Food has a high proportion of self-employed, family and casual workers, with small businesses representing a significant part of the industry. Agri-Food faces competition both within Australia and internationally, and small businesses face current challenges in responding to advancements in technology and productivity rates.
Agri-Food is also encountering challenges associated with an ageing workforce, and attracting and retaining young workers in the industry. This is, in part, due to a lack of understanding of the many exciting career pathways open to young people in the Agri-Food sectors, and the problem of encouraging people to take up employment in rural and regional areas.
There are, however, many obvious advantages of working in the industry. Employment in Agri-Food sectors gives employees the opportunity to work mostly outdoors, work close to home in rural and regional centres, be involved in continual innovation and invention, and to take advantage of Australia’s reputation for quality products.