Cotton Australia has welcomed a new funding commitment from the NSW Government to support skills and workforce development across regional communities.

Announced at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the three-year, $15 million investment will secure the future of the AgSkilled program, helping farmers and agribusinesses access practical training and job-ready skills.

Ahead of the announcement, Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay met with Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan and NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos, alongside Niall Blair, Non-Executive Director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, to discuss the cotton industry’s training needs and the value of the program.

The AgSkilled initiative focuses on hands-on training across key agricultural sectors including livestock, horticulture, grains and fibre. It is designed to give workers practical skills without the time and cost required for full qualifications, making it easier for businesses to respond to workforce demands.

The additional funding will allow training to be delivered more flexibly, including in regional and remote areas, and better aligned with seasonal work. It also provides certainty for training providers to invest in equipment, secure specialist trainers and plan delivery over the longer term.

The program has already delivered strong results. In 2024–25, more than 2,300 participants completed over 770 courses across 188 locations, with a 96 per cent completion rate. The previous year saw more than 2,400 participants complete more than 600 courses, achieving a similar completion rate.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the funding would help ensure agriculture remains supported by a skilled workforce.

“Three years of funding for AgSkilled means farmers and workers can plan ahead, expand delivery, and keep pace with the changing needs of modern agriculture,” he said.

“We’re delivering on the NSW Skills Plan and making sure critical industries like agriculture have the skilled workforce they need now and into the future.”

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said the certainty provided by the funding would support ongoing skills development across the cotton industry.

“This commitment gives growers and workers more confidence to invest in training that meets the practical needs of farm businesses,” he said.

“Having access to flexible, locally delivered training helps ensure the workforce is ready when it’s needed, particularly during peak periods.”