“Drought Reach” will provide training in drought supportive practices, resource management techniques as well as opportunities to explore farm diversification, financial management and business skills.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the New England and North West region, as like many parts of NSW, had been badly affected by drought and the NSW Government has been providing assistance.

“There is an urgent need to provide training that addresses the impact of drought, and also recognises the current skills and ability of our agricultural workforce” Mr Anderson said.

“The development of training using new and emerging technologies will be delivered by trainers with farm management expertise and not only in our region but beyond.”

Mr Marshall said Drought Reach was a government funded Diploma of Agriculture tailored 

to address drought and also provided an optional future pathway into the Bachelor of Agrifood Systems at the University of New England.

 “The Drought Reach program has been supported by State Training Services, TAFE New England  and Rural Skills Australia,” Mr Marshall said.

“TAFE New England will be delivering the training and will reimburse the administration fee to participants on successful completion of the qualification. This is in recognition of the financial hardship currently faced by many agricultural businesses.

The training is available to anyone currently working in the agricultural industry. People interested in participating in the training should contact TAFE New England on phone (02) 6773 7111 or State Training Services New England on phone (02) 6755 5099.