Rural labour and skills shortages examined

Rural labour and skills shortages examined

30 July 2002

Representatives from agriculture and horticulture industry associations and other related agencies met in Rotorua from 23-24 July 2002 to consider how they could best address the issue of labour and skills shortages in their sector.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the two-day workshop provided participants with an opportunity to outline their concerns and to review the current range of research and activities underway across the sector aimed at addressing labour and skill shortages.

The consensus of workshop participants was that a co-ordinated approach across the sector was preferable, to reduce duplication and to prioritise where resources could best be directed. There was strong support for the establishment of a formal labour and skills co-ordinating group.

MAF officials will be testing the commitment to this proposal with key decision-makers in the industry over the coming weeks. Should that commitment be confirmed, negotiation between industry parties over the form, role, and funding of the co-ordinating group will follow.

ENDS

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