Read the latest report released by Nuffield Australia on Understanding Decision Making for Automation in Packhouse and Human Capital Requirement, written by Olabisi (Bisi) Oladele, 2018 Scholar from Orrvale, Victoria. This scholarship was supported by The William Buckland Foundation.

Key points include:

• This study investigated human capital requirements for increasingly automated industries with focus on packing establishments.
• There was also focus on promoting career opportunities in agriculture and the agri-food sector.
• Thought should be put into decision making around automation as it is a big investment. All direct and indirect costs should be assessed.
• Autonomy of different processes – sorting and grading, packing, palletising and storage – makes it possible for businesses to go full automation, or gradually, based on priority and funding.
• Some businesses with strong community commitment choose to intentionally run equipment below capacity to allow more staff on the line.
• Current skill levels should be assessed against required skills and training plans. Consider a local technical consultant for future staff training.
• Ag-education programs, stand-alone or incorporated into industry body organisations, create strong links between industry and students.
• Field visits with educators and students will ensure appreciation and understanding of agriculture.

To read Bisi’s report, please click here. To watch a presentation of her findings, please click here.