Ag/Hort industry and govt collaborate on workforce

Media Release

Ag/Hort industry and government collaborate on workforce issues

27 August 2007

The agricultural and horticultural sectors have long recognised that the skills of its people are a key component of success. Collaboration to attract the right people, grow their skills and encourage progress through the many exciting career pathways, were themes of the recent Human Capability in Agriculture and Horticulture Forum.

Chairman of the Human Capability in Agriculture and Horticulture Group, Allan Frazer said 70 people from across Government and the agriculture and horticulture sectors attended the two day forum. They shared information on individual sector needs, heard about the strategies in place to respond and strongly endorsed the collaborative approach between industry and the Government.

“Collaboration across the sector in career promotion, skills development and in supporting farmers to provide a great employment environment has been shown to be effective and it makes sense to continue with this approach,” Mr Frazer said.

The workshop participants shared information on individual sector needs, heard about strategies in place to respond and strongly endorsed the collaborative approach - including with government.

“There is a lot of competition for people in the workforce. The sector provides wonderful career opportunities and great lifestyles but we need to do more to highlight this as well as supporting those already working in the sector and contributing to its success,” Mr Frazer said.

The Ag/Hort Group was formed in 2003 following a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry convened workshop on human capability in Rotorua the year before. The forum provided the opportunity for the group to report on its collaborative initiatives as well as seeking ideas on possible new initiatives.

Mr Frazer said one report to the forum was on the development of a Pan Sector Career Promotion Strategy which has resulted in a number of successful collaborative programmes. There has also been a lot of shared information on programmes that have worked well in one sector leading to successful adaptation by others.

“Another collaborative initiative has been the introduction of Staff Management Training for farmers through provision of a number of interactive workshops. These not only ensure farmers are aware of how to meet legal requirements but also provide tools to facilitate superior workplace communication and performance leading to better productivity.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Hon Jim Anderton, was a guest speaker at the forum and expressed support for the goal of new collaborative initiatives being developed.

Participants scoped proposals for collaboration across five areas. The group anticipates developing at least two new industry government initiatives for future implementation.

ENDS

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