Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said the farming sector offered diverse and rewarding careers, but more research was needed to better understand its workforce.

"Human capital is an important theme of the government's Delivering Ag2030 plan which aims to achieve a $100 billion agricultural industry by 2030," Littleproud said.

"This new research, to be undertaken by AgriFutures Australia will support agricultural employers and businesses to better target recruitment and retention of workers.

"Challenging outdated perceptions of modern agricultural work is critical to position agriculture as the modern, innovative and resilient industry it is today," Littleproud said.

Managing director of AgriFutures Australia, John Harvey, said this latest cross-sectoral research would complement existing research, development, and extension activities.

"We need to find out what are the community perceptions of agriculture careers, are there any attitudinal or structural barriers to working in agriculture, and what the ‘pull factors' are that would make the agricultural sector a more attractive employment option," Harvey said.

"The project will also investigate the experiences of agriculture workers, including understanding why they work in the sector, entry options and progression pathways.

"Ultimately the aim is for jobseekers to have a better understanding of modern agriculture, the workplace opportunities it offers and how to enter into the agricultural workforce," Harvey said.