There is a world of opportunity outside of Adelaide | Mark Allison

One of SA’s most important industries has a big problem, but there is a solution, writes Elders boss Mark Allison.

The Building a Bigger, Better South Australia campaign, of which Elders is a key supporter, has been putting a spotlight on challenges and opportunities facing the state.

As a proudly Adelaide-based company that has been part of the business landscape since 1839, Elders is advocating for a state that better supports its regions and offers incentives for South Australians to move to, or stay, in its rural and regional communities.

Agriculture is an exciting and growing industry sector that can offer both lifestyle and career opportunities for South Australians.

In 2023, the sector is expected to deliver another near-record of $85bn in production value across Australia.

Recently, the industries peak bodies collaborated to form the Food Supply Chain Alliance and estimated that the food supply chain is short at least 172,000 workers from paddock to plate nationally.

Ashley Giles on the grinder at Tatiana Industrial Repairs. Picture: Ben Clark

The changing landscape of modern agriculture means there is a broad spectrum of career paths for a range of skillsets outside of what many would consider traditional farm jobs. Yes, we need people working on farms, particularly during harvest, muster and shearing. But with the demands of the industry to grow more food, more efficiently and sustainably, there has never been a greater need for people outside of the conventional farming mould to be part of the sectors efforts.

Agricultural technology, carbon farming, sustainable farming, agricultural marketing and communications – these are just a few areas that are growing in prominence for the sector.

They offer exciting opportunities for skilled employees. To fill demand for these roles requires a two-pronged approach – education and attraction.

SA has some leading agricultural schools and tertiary education courses, and we need to encourage more young people, particularly those not from a farming background, to consider taking these paths to pursue a career in the sector.

This year Elders inducted its biggest-ever intake of graduates and trainees to it Early Careers Program, to take newly graduated people and place them in entry level roles that train them on the job, in the areas of agronomy, livestock marketing, and even corporate roles.

Interest is growing and we need to foster that here in SA.

Research consistently shows that the supply of incoming talent is well below the needs of the demand for graduates.

Attracting talent is also a key challenge, and opportunity, for agriculture and for our state.

Non-farm agribusiness jobs are increasing, with off-farm agribusiness job advertisements more than doubling in the period 2015-2021.

Off-farm skills are in demand, and South Australians with an appetite for helping to strengthen the state, country and global food supply chain, can make a meaningful impact in this sector in roles based in both the country and in the city.

Elders chief execitove Mark Allison. Picture: Daniel Purvis.

Technology is opening new doors for jobs in agriculture rather than reducing the number of hands needed. Agricultural technology (Ag Tech) is a growing area demanding new skills and people to ensure it is viable and applicable on-farm.

Accessible and innovative Ag Tech is vital to make the farming sector more productive, and it offers excellent opportunities for SA to lead the way in fostering it.

The second part to the attraction piece is around enticing South Australians to work outside of Adelaide.

There are incredibly exciting, diverse, and rewarding careers and lifestyles to be sought in SA’s regional towns.

Attracting more city dwellers to make the move to the country should be a priority for our state and our industry.

Outside of Adelaide there is a whole world of opportunities for individuals and families to pursue a different lifestyle: Of less traffic, of close community, of uniquely Australian experiences – not to mention the best of the state’s country bakeries and pubs.

South Australians can play a part in solving agriculture’s labour problem, all the while gaining a whole new perspective on what this state has to offer.

Mark Allison is chief executive of Elders