What’s happening?
AgriFutures Australia has opened applications for its People and Capability Program, offering up to $200,000 to help levied and emerging industries respond to workforce shortages.
The new pilot will fund practical initiatives that attract, develop and retain people across the agricultural sector.
Funding is split across two streams. Industry Workforce Program Grants provide up to $25,000 to deliver or adapt workforce initiatives. Capacity Building Grants offer up to $10,000 to strengthen leadership and organisational capability.
Applications open Monday, 16 February and close Friday, 13 March 2026.
Why it matters
From chicken meat and rice to industrial hemp and truffles, industries supported by AgriFutures face growing pressure to secure skilled workers.
AgriFutures General Manager, Levied and Emerging Industries, Samantha Beresford, said the challenge is immediate and ongoing.
“Workforce shortages are a daily reality for our rural industries,” Ms Beresford said.
- “Whether it’s finding skilled people on the ground or developing the next generation of leaders, the availability of capable people is now a key factor in whether industries can grow, innovate and remain competitive.”
She said the program is focused on real outcomes.
“This program is about investing in people, building confidence and capability, and creating stronger pathways into agriculture,” she said.
“By focusing on outcomes and measuring impact, we can support immediate workforce needs while also building skilled and capable people for the future.”
Local impact
Industry associations, individuals and service providers linked to levied and emerging industries can apply to design and deliver initiatives.
Applications will be assessed on strategic alignment, potential impact, scalability, innovation and measurable outcomes.
The program is intended to support both short term workforce needs and long term growth.
By the numbers
- The People and Capability Program is investing up to $200,000 in workforce and leadership initiatives across supported industries.
- AgriFutures represents 13 levied industries, spanning chicken meat, rice, honey bee and pollination, ginger, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, export fodder, thoroughbred horses, kangaroo, buffalo, deer, goat fibre and ratite.
- Grants are capped at $25,000 for workforce program initiatives and $10,000 for capacity building projects.
Zoom in
The program is designed to give industries control over how they address workforce gaps. Initiatives can target attraction, retention, skills development or leadership capability.
The focus is on measurable impact and practical delivery.
Zoom out
AgriFutures Australia, established in 1990, invests in research, development and innovation to strengthen the prosperity, sustainability and resilience of its levied and emerging industries.
It also backs emerging sectors including industrial hemp, truffles, coffee, hazelnuts, insects, sesame, crocodile and Indigenous native foods.
What to look for next?
Applications close Friday, 13 March 2026.
Industries are expected to put forward initiatives that show impact and long-term value for agriculture.
