- Schools across Queensland appointed to deliver 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools project, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers.
- GISP program helps connect secondary students with farmers, industry leaders and agri-tech professionals, helping showcase agricultural careers.
- Part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver a fresh start for Queensland and build a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland's agriculture sector by backing 15 schools to join the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP), creating a pipeline of skilled workers to drive innovation in one of our most important industries.
CQUniversity has confirmed 15 schools for Stream 1 of the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Schools Program, chosen from a competitive field of 41 applicants from across Queensland.
The program links students and teachers with farmers, Agri-tech innovators, and industry leaders, delivering hands-on experience and opening clear pathways to rewarding careers in Queensland's growing primary industries sector.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland's future, after a decade of decline under Labor where Queensland's primary industries were mismanaged and neglected.
In 2026, participating schools will range from schools wishing to commence agriculture for the first time, to those supporting new agriculture teachers and their agricultural programs, to schools building new industry partnerships and working across multiple school departments.
Each successful Stream 1 school also receives $2,500 from CQUniversity and industry partners to support the creation of new resources, networks, opportunities and tech for agribusiness education.
More importantly, they will have access to the CQU team for 12 months, to facilitate connections, events and activities with the Queensland agricultural industry, and grow student aspirations for an agribusiness career.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the selected schools were poised to embrace all facets of Queensland's diverse and prosperous agriculture sector, helping create a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
"Agriculture has always been a cornerstone industry in Queensland, trading in best practice and providing quality products to Australia and the world," Minister Bates said.
"As the sector continues to evolve – embracing science, technology and sustainability – our agriculture workforce will evolve along with it.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, Queensland's primary industries have a government backing them and our investment in the Agribusiness GISP is one way we are securing a pipeline of skilled workers to help deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
"I'm excited to see CQU grow the Agribusiness Gateway by reaching into new schools, connecting students with industry, and encouraging even more young Queenslanders to pursue rewarding, skilled ag careers."
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a fresh start for the sector.
"Appropriately skilled workforce is fundamental to meeting our ambitious target to increase the value of primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, and this initiative will contribute to the effort," Minister Perrett said.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to building a strong pipeline of skilled workers who are drawn to primary industries, a vibrant sector which offers its work force long-term careers.
"We need to expose students from all backgrounds, including the city, to the industry that has embraced technology and innovation, and is crying out for talented diverse workforce."
Dr Jaime Manning, Senior Lecturer in Agriculture with the Agri-tech Education and Extension team, said the strong interest was exciting for the future of the sector.
"The quality of the applications from new locations and schools across Queensland really showed the widespread demand for support to start developing agricultural interest, skills and a future workforce in our schools," Dr Manning said.
"We are excited to support our successful schools for their journey into agriculture, discovering agri-tech, and developing programs to empower future farm innovators."
"All schools across Queensland still have lots of opportunities to participate through Stream 2 of our program which includes professional development, resources and webinars offered throughout the year."
The Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Project is managed by CQU and funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training. It is delivered in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Queensland Agriculture Teachers Association and AgForce School to Industry Partnership Program.
The 2026 Schools include:
Charters Towers State High School
Clifton State High School
Cloncurry State School P-12
Columba Catholic College
Concordia Lutheran College
Eidsvold State School
Emerald State High School
Goomeri P-10 State School
Hervey Bay State High School
Ingham State High School
Rosedale State School
Rosewood State High School
St Joseph's School Stanthorpe
Sunnybank State High School
Tamborine Mountain State High School
