This project funding supports the development of a longitudinal research framework, to quantify the impact of investing through the Cotton Research Development Corporation(CRDC) People program. A skilled and capable workforce is known to contribute to the industry’s profitability, sustainability & competitiveness. A key challenge is identifying and establishing metrics through which the industry can assess the value derived from investing in the upskilling and further development of labour and the benefits obtained through increased capacity. Industry is seeking to understand how development programs contribute to attracting and retaining people on farm and the value that employees place on having good working conditions.

The CRDC invests significant funds annually to provide educational opportunities for the industry. The purpose of this project is therefore to contribute to the future decision making about what type of people projects would be expected to reap the greatest benefit based on outcomes achieved todate.