Queensland, Australia
February 14, 2012

Peak Queensland horticulture body Growcom says comments by the Australian Council of Deans (ACDA) following the closing of another University agriculture course are a timely reminder for candidates in the upcoming Queensland election of action required in this area.

Growcom CEO Alex Livingstone said ACDA’s research showing that there are more than 4000 positions a year in agricultural science and related fields going unfilled was very concerning. An incoming state government would need to address the dual causes of this shortage.

“The lack of promotion of careers in agriculture has led to agricultural science being seen as a ‘poor cousin’ which does not offer interesting opportunities. This is a view that needs to be countered at an early point in the education of young people.

“But the other cause of low take-up of education in agricultural sciences has been the stripping of resources and funding from government primary industry agencies. Fewer full-time permanent positions are being offered and the ‘extension’ part of rural development and extension (RD&E) is all but abolished. For students to embark on study in this area, they need to know that there will be a well-remunerated, secure and rewarding job at the end of it,” Mr Livingstone said.

“A good start for the next state government would be to provide equal funding to both animal and plant biosecurity. Despite the vulnerability of Queensland, particularly through our northern border, to plant-based pests such as Asian Honey bee and citrus canker, plant biosecurity has received considerably less funding than animal biosecurity for many years.
Equivalent funding for plant biosecurity would provide more positions for plant scientists, who are badly needed to keep our crops free from pests and diseases,” Mr Livingstone said.

“Growing one-third of Australia’s horticulture crop, Queensland needs to take a leading hand in addressing the drastic lack of graduates in such an important field. We will be looking to the next Queensland Government to take action in this area,” Mr Livingstone said.
 

Website: http://www.growcom.com.au

Published: February 14, 2012