Key Takeaways
- AgriFutures Australia is expanding investment in workforce development, leadership, and skills training.
- Australia’s agricultural production value has increased 34% over the past 20 years, reaching $88.3 billion.
- Applications are now open for sponsored learning and development programs across Australia.
- Programs target producers, agribusiness professionals, agritech innovators, and rural leaders.
- Applications close on 12 January 2026.
AgriFutures Australia Highlights Workforce Needs Amid Production Growth
AgriFutures Australia has opened applications for a new round of learning and development opportunities, as Australia’s agricultural sector continues to grow in value and output.
According to the November Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2025 report, the gross value of agricultural production has increased by 34% over the past two decades, reaching an estimated value of AUD 88.3 billion. AgriFutures Australia stated that sustaining this growth will require continued investment in workforce capability, leadership, and industry-aligned education.
AgriFutures Australia Focuses on Leadership and Skills Development
Addressing Capability Gaps in the Agricultural Workforce
Jennifer Galloway, General Manager Workforce, Communications and Adoption at AgriFutures Australia, said that while rising production is a positive signal for the sector, it brings new challenges.
“If we want to solve future agricultural challenges, we need rural leaders with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about the ongoing success of their enterprises and industries,” Galloway said.
She noted that AgriFutures Australia is investing in leadership, capacity, and skills development programs, as well as Australian agricultural scholarships, to foster innovation that delivers value across levy-paying industries.
Learning Opportunities Open to Diverse Industry Participants
Eligibility Across Levied and Emerging Industries
AgriFutures Australia confirmed that applications are open to eligible individuals of any age who are:
- Involved in AgriFutures levied or emerging industries
- Alumni of the Rural Women’s Award
- Representatives from agritech innovation businesses
Levied industries include sectors such as chicken meat, export fodder, honey bee and pollination, rice, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, kangaroo, and goat fibre. Emerging industries include coffee, hazelnuts, industrial hemp, insects, seaweed and algae, sesame, and truffles.
Galloway said cost, time, and accessibility are common barriers to professional development, and the sponsorship model is designed to address these constraints.
Industry-Aligned Leadership Programs on Offer
Courses Supported Through AgriFutures Australia
The learning and development programs available through AgriFutures Australia sponsorship include:
- Australian Rural Leadership Foundation TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program
- Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Agribusiness Leadership Program
- Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program
- Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company Directors Course
- AICD Foundations of Directorship
According to AgriFutures Australia, each program is tailored to the agricultural sector and combines practical leadership skills, mentorship, and industry insights relevant to modern farming and agribusiness.
Past Participants Point to Long-Term Impact
Leadership Development Beyond Individual Careers
Jane McInnes, an alumna of the Marcus Oldham Rural Leadership Program, said the experience had a lasting impact on her leadership confidence and perspective.
“The experience was genuinely energising. It pushed me to think bigger, reflect deeply on how I lead, and articulate what I stand for,” McInnes said.
McInnes was one of 36 participants in 2025 to complete learning and development courses supported by AgriFutures Australia. Galloway added that past participants have gone on to lead innovative community projects, adopt sustainable farming practices, and contribute to regional industry growth.
AgriFutures Applications Open Until January 2026
AgriFutures Australia stated that applications are open to producers, agribusiness specialists, and rural innovators at all career stages and across all regions.
“By investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders, these programs strengthen not just individual careers, but the agriculture sector more broadly,” Galloway said.
Applications for the current intake close on 12 January 2026. Further details are available via the AgriFutures Australia website.
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