Advocacy Edition: Education and the path to a stronger horticulture workforce with Luciano Mesiti

Vegalogue is a regular podcast from vegetable, potato and onion industry peak body AUSVEG, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.Workforce shortages remain a major challenge for horticulture, with nearly half of Australian vegetable growers reporting difficulty in filling skilled and semi-skilled roles. In this episode, we explore how early education and industry engagement can shape a stronger, more sustainable horticulture workforce.Luciano Mesiti, CEO of the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA), joins us to discuss the crucial role that food and fibre education plays in inspiring the next generation of agricultural workers.From breaking down industry stereotypes to developing curriculum-aligned resources and building pathways from school to career, Luciano highlights the work being done—and what still needs to be done—to connect students with the world of horticulture. He also shares how partnerships between schools and agribusinesses can create more visible and viable career opportunities for young Australians.Vegalogue is the podcast from AUSVEG, the peak body for Australia’s vegetable, potato, and onion industries, where we examine the pressing issues and latest developments in our sector.Thanks for listening! You can find out more about AUSVEG and the Australian vegetable industry at ausveg.com.au. Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, or Tik Tok.