Getting the workforce right

One of the big issues in the food & fibre sector is about having the right workforce in the right places.

Attracting more workers to rural areas - and for those employees to come to work already trained in both technical and personal skills - is ideal. But some farmers in Wairarapa say they struggle to attract and retain the next generation of staff despite the fact that training opportunities exist.

This article (go to page 4-5) published in the Wairarapa Rural Outlook in September 2024 goes on to talk about how Farmer Time for Schools is the perfect example of both how to build a future rural workforce as well as how to foster collaboration between farmers and students.