The Malinauskas Government is taking action to strengthen South Australia's food, wine and agribusinesses through the development of a sector-wide strategy to attract and retain workers.
The development of the workforce strategy is a key recommendation in a business case commissioned by the State Government, which has been launched today at the 2025 Primary Industries and Regions Forum.
The business case highlights the extent to which workforce challenges are acting as a handbrake on the growth and productivity of our agribusiness sector and identifies key barriers to workforce attraction and retention.
It outlines five major recommendations – the foremost being the development of a coordinated, state-wide workforce strategy for the sector.
The Food, Wine and Agribusiness Workforce Strategy will aim to deliver a long-term, integrated approach to supporting workforce growth in line with the Government's broader economic mission to Build South Australia's Talent.
The business case was developed by Deloitte Access Economics, commissioned by PIRSA in partnership with Primary Producers SA (PPSA), and in collaboration with other stakeholders across industry, government and the education sector.
The report outlines actions to deliver coordinated initiatives to:
- Improve community perceptions
- Highlight diverse career opportunities available
- Help education providers inspire and equip students to pursue agribusiness careers
- Support businesses to attract and retain migrant and overseas workers
- Explore ways to drive attraction of underutilised workforce demographics.
Development of the workforce strategy will be undertaken during 2025/26, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement.
The co-design of specific initiatives will also be informed by workforce data analytics and policy analysis. The Business Case Final Report is now available at pir.sa.gov.au/industry-forum.
As put by Susan Close
South Australia's food, wine, and agribusiness sector workforce is diverse, innovative and dynamic.
To maintain and enhance our state's global reputation as a producer of clean, green, and premium products, strategic workforce planning is essential, with a coordinated approach that delivers clear attraction and retention initiatives and broader awareness of the job opportunities available.
As put by Clare Scriven
South Australia's food, wine and agribusiness sector is not only vital to our state's economy – it's integral to our rural and regional communities.
The business case demonstrates there is both a need and an opportunity to showcase the sector and its career pathways as exciting, diverse and high value.
That's why the Malinauskas Government is working collaboratively with industry and education providers to build a comprehensive workforce strategy to support sustainable growth in the years ahead.
I want to thank the many stakeholders across government, education and industry who contributed to this work and look forward to our continued collaboration as we move into the next phase to further strengthen this sector.
As put by Caroline Rhodes, Primary Producers South Australia Chief Executive Officer
South Australia's food, wine, and agribusiness sectors offer more than just jobs—they offer purpose. From scientists and agronomists to marketers, IT professionals, and veterinarians, there's a place for every passion and skillset.
Built on innovation, research, and education, this sector is shaping a sustainable and globally competitive future.
Primary Producers SA looks forward to continuing work in partnership with the State Government, education providers and other industry stakeholder in the development of this workforce strategy.
