Building a sustainable workforce that is well-resourced, fit for purpose and responsive to the ever-changing technological advances and potential disruption ahead is an ongoing, complex and challenging issue for Queensland’s agriculture sector.
The University of Queensland is assisting with this challenge through its Food and Fibre Case Studies III course which provides an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in a real-world group-work situation.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and their members have benefitted from hosting the next generation of agricultural experts. Previous student cohorts have delivered practical insights and opportunities for industry, while students are given real-industry issues to investigate and have the opportunity to see the diversity of roles and opportunities across the agricultural sector, not to mention the four final year Agribusiness students have the prospect to interact directly with potential employers.
The purpose of this year’s project is to identify and prioritise international market opportunities for Australian native flowers and foliage so the industry can expand with the confidence that markets exist and relationships with importers and other value chain partners in high priority markets can be identified and established to guide the Australian industry’s growth.
The final report will make recommendations for ways that businesses as well as the larger industry can optimise sales, market share and profits from Australian and high priority international markets for Australian natives.
Students have met with QFF and member organisation Nursery Garden and Industry Queensland (NGIQ) to determine the project brief and are moving onto meeting with agribusinesses to collect the primary data this month.
Agribusinesses operating in the nursery and garden industry who can contribute their knowledge and insights to build into the final student project in September are encouraged to participate in this project.
For more information and express your interest, email qfarmers@qff.org.au.