NT Farmers Association warns workforce boost needed to rake in $2 billion economic target

Primary school-aged kids should be taught agriculture subjects if the Territory is to meet a $2 billion growth target, as farmers release a key list of election demands for the next government.

Teaching kids agriculture from as early as primary school is essential to plug workforce gaps and secure the Territory’s economic future according to farming bosses.

The NT Farmers Association has put the major parties on notice ahead of the August election, urging an agricultural “reset” if the $1.3 billion sector is to meet the government’s $2 billion target by the decade’s end.

The industry group’s election priorities also include urgent funding to fast-track a cure for Mango Twig Tip Dieback, a disease threatening the Territory’s lucrative output of the fruit, which totalled 51 per cent of the domestic market last year and raked in $67 million.

NT Farmers Association chief executive Greg Troughton. Picture: Supplied

NT Farmers Association president Greg Troughton said the education curriculum should demonstrate farming and forestry were “good, viable careers” that required a range of workforce skills.

He called on the next government to investigate how agriculture subjects can be introduced to primary and secondary schools across the Territory.

“We have to appeal to the hearts and minds of every student from the primary to the tertiary level and capture their imagination about how exciting a career this can be,” Mr Troughton said.

“It’s about making sure kids understand what a hi-tech industry this actually is but it’s also more hands-on than your traditional desk job.”

Mr Troughton said farmers wanted “a renewed focus on infrastructure planning and implementation” to address the Territory’s remoteness, which includes upgrading roads and telecommunication networks crucial to supply chains.

Last year, the NT produced 51 per cent of Australia’s mangoes, but the Twig Tip Dieback disease is threatening fruit yields.

The disease spreads from the twig and eventually prevents the fruit from growing. Picture: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Additionally, the group also wants to see funding for at least two Indigenous Economic Development Officers who can “equip traditional owners and their communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the agricultural sector successfully”.

“Private sector can’t do it alone and even more importantly, government can’t do it alone,” Mr Troughton said.

“It also can’t do it without sufficient funding to support balanced agricultural growth, development, and biosecurity protection of the Northern Territory agricultural industry.”

Agribusiness and Fisheries Minister Mark Monaghan told the NT News this Tuesday’s budget “will see investment into initiatives which will increase the Territory’s workforce, improve key roads for industry, strengthen ties with Indigenous communities and invest in research to protect the future of NT agriculture”.

Agribusiness and Fisheries Minister Mark Monaghan said the Tuesday budget would include a slew of funding commitments for the agricultural sector. Picture: Fia Walsh

“The Lawler government isn’t waiting for an election to deliver what the agriculture industry deserves,” Mr Monaghan said.

“The government will continue to work with NT Farmers to ensure this vital sector gets the investment and resources it requires, and will also continue to build strong relationships with international trade partners like Timor-Leste to bolster our workforce.”

Mr Monaghan also said that the government would “continue to invest in research which protects our mango industry”, including a third edition of the Mango Field Guide.

The NT election is scheduled for Saturday, August 24.