Non-Technical Skills Needed for the Current and Next-Generation Agricultural Workforce

Nicole McDonald (), Jennifer Luke and Amy Cosby
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Nicole McDonald: Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
Jennifer Luke: Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia
Amy Cosby: Institute for Future Farming Systems, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD 4702, Australia

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 7, 1-11

Abstract: This study highlights the need to recognize and train agricultural workers in essential non-technical skills to enhance workforce effectiveness and sustainability within the agriculture sector. Focused on the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, the research involved initial semi-structured interviews with three agricultural training managers to identify relevant non-technical skills for food and fibre workplaces. Representatives from twenty Gippsland food and fibre businesses were then surveyed to rate these identified skills across different workforce segments: (a) seasonal workers, (b) entry-level workers, (c) supervisors, and (d) managers. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the responses. Employer ratings for skill needs were weighted against the number of workers employed in each workforce segment. Key non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and cross-cultural competence were found to be in high demand, particularly among seasonal and entry-level workers. However, there is a significant gap between the importance of these skills and their prioritization in accredited training programs. Addressing this gap is crucial for investing in a skilled and adaptable agricultural sector that is competitive and sustainable. The theoretical understandings derived from this study’s results warrant further research and replication in diverse commodity sectors and locations within Australia and internationally.

Keywords: agricultural workforce; training and development; qualitative data (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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