Existing qualifications do not always align with the skills required to do the work and attracting people with the right skills is a challenge.
The Tāmaki Makaurau Regional Skills Leadership Group has identified in its Regional Workforce Plan that the local sector has a need for entry-level roles, but that there is increasing demand for innovation, science and technology skills to meet the demands for genetics and cultivars innovation, robotics and automation in agritech related farming. This will require new skills, and the industry is struggling to attract the skills required to adopt the innovations and technologies needed to improve growth and productivity.
This is further compounded by the fact that while the industry is embracing more advanced technology, the existing qualifications do not necessarily align with these changes. It can be a challenge to upskill staff and attract skilled people into roles that require more technological understanding and experience.
There is also a limited number of Agronomists in Aotearoa, and an understanding from industry that people often come from overseas to fill this niche. There is currently no pathway at any level in Aotearoa for Agronomists.