Student pathways in agriculture
A thriving agricultural industry is not only a major economic driver, it’s central to livelihoods in regional and rural communities, and to food security more broadly.
Amazing careers in agriculture are there for the taking and yet the talent is not coming. Working in collaboration with the agricultural sector, UQ is poised to turn this around, inspiring students to follow rewarding pathways and supporting them as they do.
Busting myths and misperceptions about the industry and scope of work is the first step. Many young people simply do not consider careers in agriculture because they – or their parents, teachers, influencers – hold out-dated perceptions of what these are. Attracting students to study agriculture means changing those perceptions and following through with educational programming and experiences that tap into the most compelling aspects of the industry.
It starts with reaching students while they’re still in school, exciting them about opportunities in the sector. It continues with educational programs enriched by experiential learning, and culminates in all-important industry connections and fulfilling careers.
Why is this a priority?
Agriculture underpins everything, from the food we eat to global economic stability. Supporting agriculture students directly contributes to building the innovative and diverse workforce needed to meet food demand in the face of climate and other sustainability challenges. Australia’s agricultural future depends on attracting and empowering the next generation of innovators.
To meet industry demand and reach the ambitious $100 billion national growth target, we must double the number of skilled graduates entering the sector. UQ’s School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability is uniquely qualified to address this challenge, ranked #1 in Australia in the field of Agriculture and 26th globally. (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026)
How will it make a difference?
This initiative creates a clear pathway to agricultural careers in Queensland, combining early engagement, equitable access and hands‑on learning through:
High school engagement
Programs to introduce senior high‑school students to the excitement of agri‑innovation through competitions and hackathon-style challenges. Held at various locations, including onsite in high schools across 4 states and at the UQ Gatton campus, students from regional, rural and remote locations will have equal opportunity to participate, ensuring broad reach and participation.
Scholarships
Agricultural scholarships, including residential scholarships, remove financial barriers for regional, remote and low‑SES students, supporting both academic and vocational learners.
Experiential learning
From simulation labs and regional/national/international competitions to placements and industry immersion, out-of-the-classroom learning bolsters student confidence, connections and real‑world capability. A sector-based community-of-support will add value through expert lectures, mentoring and employer engagement.
How to support agricultural futures
A gift today helps ensure there are skilled people tomorrow who will drive a sustainable, healthy food supply and a thriving industry. Agriculture is a significant contributor to the Queensland economy, integral to livelihoods in rural, regional and remote communities.
Your gift is an investment in the people of Queensland and in the diverse, tech‑savvy workforce that Australia’s agricultural sector urgently needs.
For more information, or to have a conversation about the impact you want to create, contact Brenda Tournier or Anthea Barry.