Primary sector leaders say food and fibre generates 81 per cent of the country's exports, but the work-based training that the workforce depends on is at risk.
Chief executives across farming, forestry, horticulture and seafood have signed a workforce strategy they're calling on the Government to back.
They're worried that reform of vocational education after the breakup of Te Pukenga, aimed at achieving higher enrolments for individual polytechs, has left work-based learning in limbo.
And that it is likely to lose funding in the next few years. Currently trainees work fulltime on a dairy farm, or in a forest block, while at the same time completing papers towards a qualification.
They say there is a risk regional polytechs will cherry-pick the most profitable courses, undermining access to essential training in their sectors.
They're calling on the government to recognise the economic value of those jobs - and to secure access to training through funding, a national network of provision, and the development industry-specific qualifications and the development industry specific qualifications.
The Minister for Vocational Education says the Government's goal is to make sure strategically important courses are kept, despite their cost, and has earmarked some of a $20 million fund towards them.
Elizabeth Heeg is chief executive of the Forest Owners Association and Kate Scott is chief executive of Horticulture NZ.
Pine forestry harvesting in Waimata Valley near Gisborne. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
