The survey will be used to develop a business information hub as part of the Young Farmer Business Project initiative.

The project is a joint initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), NSW Young Farmers Council and NSW Farmers Association, which aims to increase the number of young people in agriculture across NSW.

As part of the initiative, an information hub is being developed to provide business resources using digital platforms that meet the needs of younger generations of farmers.

The DPI’s Young Farmer Business Project officer, James Leigo, is urging farmers aged 18 to 35 years to complete the survey, now available online.

The survey “is an opportunity for young farmers to tell us what barriers they are experiencing and the support they need to make a career in agriculture,” Mr Leigo said.

“Young people are telling me they want a profitable and happy life in agriculture, and that they are willing to consider new models and opportunities to achieve this success.”

Options are currently being investigated by the project working group to help young farmers access the information they need through the channels they use.

The working group chair, Tim Carroll, said too many decisions could be made without asking people first.

“We want young people to tell us what they want and what their barriers are, which is why this survey is so important,” Mr Carroll said.

“By hearing from young people with agricultural aspirations, we will be able to better deliver what young people need.

“It’s important that young people get behind this project to help make it a success.”

Young farmers in NSW aged 18 to 35 years have until Thursday, June 30 to complete the survey on the DPI’s website, dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/rwn.

The survey can also be accessed via the NSW Young Farmer Facebook page at facebook.com/NswYoungFarmers.