Workforce and skills

Adam Knapp is QFF’s General Manager for Policy and Projects, leading the strategic development and delivery of policy initiatives that strengthen Queensland’s agricultural sector.

With more than 25 years’ experience across government, industry and research, Adam combines critical analysis, policy expertise and stakeholder engagement to address complex issues in sustainable agriculture, biosecurity, water management, climate change and natural resource management. He provides high-level policy advice to QFF’s CEO, Board and members, and oversees a diverse portfolio of projects and staff working across Queensland.

Adam’s work includes driving legislative submissions, shaping QFF’s advocacy priorities, and building partnerships that deliver practical, future-focused solutions for farmers and rural communities. Prior to joining QFF, he held roles with the National Native Title Tribunal, Seafood Services Australia, Harrods and Ernst & Young in London.

Adam holds qualifications in behavioural science, political science and leadership.

Adam Curcio is QFF’s Project Manager for Workforce and Skills, leading initiatives that strengthen Queensland’s agricultural workforce through strategic planning, capability building and digital innovation.

With more than 25 years’ experience across agriculture, natural resources, civil construction and finance, Adam brings a systems-thinking approach to program design and workforce transformation. 

He has managed major projects across sectors and most recently led the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance and delivered workforce capability, supervisor training and digital ag-tech initiatives in collaboration with industry, government and training providers.

Adam’s work focuses on building regional resilience, embedding future skills, and creating meaningful career pathways across Queensland’s food and fibre industries. 

Kym Wessling is an Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) for agriculture and horticulture, playing a critical role in advocating for industry workforce needs across Queensland. She works closely with employers, small businesses, training providers, and industry stakeholders to provide evidence-based insights that guide training priorities, strengthen workforce pathways, and inform national vocational education and training (VET) reforms.

With more than 25 years of experience in government, including ten years working directly with the agriculture sector, Kym brings a strong understanding of workforce planning, skills development, and business resilience. Her work supports industry in navigating change, responding to labour market pressures, and capitalising on emerging opportunities for growth.

Kym specialises in translating labour market data and workforce intelligence into practical, industry-led solutions. Her experience in vocational education, project management, and stakeholder engagement enables her to build strong connections between industry, government, and training providers.

Collaboration sits at the centre of Kym’s approach. She believes meaningful innovation is driven by diverse perspectives, underpinned by mutual respect, shared responsibility, and open, honest communication.

Kym’s role is delivered through the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor Program, supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Eloise Cosgrove is QFF’s Project Manager for Graduate Programs, supporting pathways that connect early-career professionals with opportunities across Queensland agriculture.

Having grown up on a mixed broadacre cropping and livestock operation between Dalby and Cecil Plains, Eloise developed a strong foundation and lifelong appreciation for farming. She went on to complete a Diploma of Agribusiness at Marcus Oldham College and gained diverse experience across Queensland, the Northern Territory and abroad, spanning broadacre cropping, grazing, dairy, lot feeding and agri-finance.

Since joining QFF, Eloise has contributed to projects within the Risk, Recovery and Resilience portfolio, including the Farm Business Resilience Program and the Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer initiative. Her work focuses on helping producers identify risks, build adaptive strategies and strengthen the long-term viability of their farm businesses.

Eloise is passionate about connecting people, sharing knowledge and supporting a resilient and future-focused agricultural workforce.

Contact:
Email: Eloise Cosgrove • Phone: 07 3837 4700

Julia brings a vibrant mix of education and real-world industry insight to her work, grounded in a Bachelor of Arts in Law, International Relations and Human Rights, alongside ongoing studies in agricultural marketing and project management in agriculture. This strong academic foundation fuels her confidence in communicating clearly, navigating diverse stakeholders, and designing training that truly lands with producers. In her role as a SmartAg Project Manager, she brings energy and enthusiasm to identifying skill needs and delivering training across the four pillars of production, business, technology and safety—working with growers and industry partners to help build a stronger, smarter and more future-ready agricultural workforce.

Born and raised in South Africa, Julia carries a lifelong passion for agriculture and the people who make it thrive. Since moving to Australia in 2014, she’s immersed herself in the horticulture sector—from hands-on quality assurance and dispatch to managing sales portfolios with major fresh produce businesses. Her time with the Queensland Farmers’ Federation further strengthened her industry impact across all sectors in agriculture, where she helped deliver more than 100 flood management plans and co-delivered crisis communication training across the state.  Julia is committed to empowering producers, strengthening skills and championing a resilient and innovative Queensland agriculture sector.

Jake Moore is an Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) for agriculture and horticulture at QFF, working alongside Kym Wessling to support industry-led approaches to workforce development across Queensland. His role focuses on helping employers, small businesses, training providers and industry stakeholders navigate skills and workforce challenges through evidence-based insights that inform training priorities, strengthen workforce pathways and contribute to national vocational education and training (VET) reforms.

Jake brings valuable agricultural extension experience, focussing on irrigation automation projects. This experience has given him a strong understanding of the day-to-day realities faced by producers and the complex decisions required to achieve successful outcomes season after season.

Driven by a passion for efficiency and practical solutions, Jake applies his scientific background to ensure modern workforce and training approaches are grounded in traditional farming practices. New to the skills and training sector, he is motivated to help shape a sustainable and resilient agricultural workforce for the future.

Jake’s role is delivered through the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor Program, supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Kate Reardon is QFF’s Industry Workforce Advisor, connecting businesses with education, skilling, employment and economic growth initiatives to help strengthen capability and support workforce challenges and growth requirements across Queensland.

A regional development and agriculture professional, Kate has experience across private industry, government and the not-for-profit sector. She specialises in sustainable agriculture, stakeholder engagement and regional economic development, working closely with businesses, industry bodies, government and communities to deliver practical outcomes.

With more than a decade of experience in agribusiness and program leadership, Kate brings strong expertise in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and translating strategy into on-the-ground action. Her work focuses on building regional capability, improving workforce resilience and supporting the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s agricultural industries.