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Agriculture education leader slams govt's cuts

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 2:18 GMT by rnz
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Agriculture Education Leader Denounces Government’s Cuts to Rural Training

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist

In a powerful rebuke of the Wellington government’s latest austerity measures, Professor Tim White, Director of the New Zealand Agricultural Education Council (NAEC), publicly slammed the cutbacks announced in the 2025 National Budget. White warned that the reductions would cripple the country’s ability to produce a skilled workforce for the agri‑food sector – an industry that accounts for roughly 14 % of New Zealand’s GDP and is a cornerstone of the nation’s export economy.

The Cuts That Sparked the Outcry

White’s criticism centres on a 15 % reduction in funding for rural training programmes – a figure that translates to an estimated loss of $12 million over the next three years. The budget, released on Monday, trims support for “Apprenticeships, Training and Employment” by an additional $5 million, effectively cancelling a $7 million programme that had been in place since 2018.

The NAEC’s annual report, which can be downloaded from the council’s website, details how the cuts will affect 2,300 students and 1,200 trainers across the country. The most acute impact will be on the Lincoln Agricultural Training Centre, which will lose 30 % of its operating budget, jeopardising the delivery of courses in dairy science, horticulture, and sustainable farming practices.

White emphasised that these cuts are a direct violation of commitments made by the government in the 2023 National Rural Strategy, which pledged a $20 million increase in investment for rural education over five years. “We signed up to a future of innovation and sustainability. By pulling funding from our hands, the government is sending the wrong message to young people, rural communities, and the industry itself,” White told reporters.

Why the Agri‑Food Sector Needs Stronger Training

White pointed to a recent report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that highlighted a projected shortage of 20,000 skilled workers in the agri‑food industry by 2030. “This is not just a numbers game. It’s about people’s livelihoods, the security of our food supply, and the competitive edge of New Zealand’s exports,” he said.

The report, available on the MBIE portal, outlines the skill gaps in areas such as precision agriculture, organic farming, and post‑harvest logistics. “If we do not invest in training now, we risk falling behind countries that are already embracing technology and sustainability at a faster pace,” White added.

Voices from the Field

The backlash is not limited to the NAEC. Representatives from the New Zealand Farmers’ Association and the Rural Education Foundation (REF) have jointly issued a statement condemning the cuts. “We cannot afford to compromise the future of our farms,” said REF Director Sarah Patel. “The loss of training funds will directly translate to higher costs, lower productivity, and a widening skills gap.”

At a press briefing, White quoted a farmer from Canterbury who said: “We’re already struggling to find qualified staff. If we lose the training pipeline, we’ll be forced to import labour, which defeats the purpose of supporting local talent.”

Government Response

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education has stated that the government remains committed to supporting rural education. “While there are fiscal constraints, we are exploring alternative funding models and partnerships with industry to maintain essential programmes,” the spokesperson said. They also hinted at a possible review of the cuts in the next parliamentary session, pending a detailed impact assessment.

Looking Ahead

White has called for an immediate review of the policy and an urgent meeting with cabinet ministers. He also urged industry stakeholders to lobby for a reversal of the cuts and to push for increased investment in modern training technologies, such as virtual reality simulations and AI‑driven analytics.

“The agri‑food sector is at a crossroads,” White concluded. “The next decade will decide whether New Zealand remains a global leader in sustainable agriculture or becomes a follower. We can’t afford to squander the opportunity to train the next generation of innovators.”

For more detailed information, the NAEC’s full report can be accessed via the council’s official website, and the MBIE policy brief is available on the ministry’s portal.

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