Agri-food is a key sector of the Australian economy, contributing $65B (3.5%) to GDP and $36B (10%) to national export income. Supporting further growth of the sector is a strategic priority for the Commonwealth and state governments and for industry. This growth, and the overall sustainability of the sector, are currently at risk due to challenges in attracting and retaining young people into agri-food careers. Solutions to these challenges remain elusive and new ways of understanding and addressing the challenges are urgently needed.
In this project we investigate how and why young people aged 15-35 years enter, stay or leave jobs and careers in the agri-food sector, including farming, farm services and food processing. The research expects to generate new knowledge to improve youth career trajectories using an innovative, interdisciplinary and engaged research design with young people.
Project outputs
Discussion paper: Young people establishing careers and jobs in Australia’s Agri-Food sector: bringing the challenges into focus
In this paper, we progress understanding about how young people engage in employment in the agri-food sector, with a view to addressing workforce challenges faced by the industry. The paper first reviews recent research about young people’s attraction and retention in the industry, and then presents original analysis of the Housing, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) survey about young people and their entry into, and exit, from agri-food jobs and careers. Consulting over 70 sources from the academic and non-academic literature, and findings from our analysis of the HILDA dataset, the paper identifies a series of gaps in our understanding of young people in agri-food, and considers avenues for future research.
Download the brief version of the paper (short summary of the main findings)
Download the full version of the paper
Publication: Tracing young people's entry and retention in the Australian agriculture sector: A longitudinal analysis of rural employment pathways, Journal of Rural Studies
Key findings:
* Over half of Australian young people leave agricultural employment within ten years, with minimal re-entry rates
* Older youth (26–35) and men are more likely to stay in agriculture.
* Having a parent in agriculture strongly predicts staying in or entering the sector as well as regional residency.
* Long hours and self-employment support retention; multiple jobs signal instability and exit.
In the news
Mallee Regional Innovation Centre Newsletter Issue 38, August 2024 and Issue 54, February 2026
In A Nutshell, the newsletter of the Australian Almond Industry, Autumn 2026
What will the research involve?
The research has 3 phases conducted over the course of three years:
- Year 1
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A national level longitudinal analysis of Australian labour market data (the HILDA dataset) about young people’s job and career outcomes.
- Year 2
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An in-depth study of young people’s experiences in the agri-food sector in Victoria through surveys, interviews and discussions with over 1500 young people.
- Year 3
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Workshops with young people and relevant stakeholders to apply the findings to policy change and action.
How will young people and their communities benefit?
The findings will be used to:
- Strengthen career outcomes for young people
- Improve the sustainability and growth of the agri-food sector
- Support rural and regional communities and their economic prosperity
- Co-design youth-appropriate industry and education policy proposals
- Provide new models of youth engagement in the agri-food sector
The research will assess how well current ways of engaging young people are working. The project will ascertain the extent to which young people’s aspirations, experiences, education, training and support needs are addressed by current efforts of industries, communities and government.
Share your voice
The survey and interview phase of the research is now closed.
We are currently in the process of hosting policy co-design roundtables with industry and community stakeholders across rural, regional and urban Victoria. We will be visiting: Shepparton, Morwell, Hamilton, Horsham, Mildura and Melbourne.
If you are interested to share your experiences, and knowledge about how to improve young people's opportunities in agri-food and agriculture employment, please reach out to Catherine Waite and the team
Your insights can help drive change and improve career pathways for everyone.
Who is funding the research?
The research is funded through the Australian Research Council Linkage program, and with co-investment by the University of Melbourne and 7 partner organisations from the agri-food sector.
Where is the research taking place?
The project spans six rural and regional hubs in Victoria, Australia, including Horsham, Hamilton, Healesville, Leongatha, Shepparton and Mildura.
Meet the team
The team
Reference Group
The group involves stakeholders and youth representatives. The role of the group is to provide input to the research over the 3 years of its operation.
Phoebe Dillon
Partner organisations
Contact
Express interest in the research or have any questions?
Or contact Catherine Waite directly on 0481 095 593 or cwaite@unimelb.edu.au