Aussie schoolkids to learn farming 101

Thousands of Australian kids are about to get a first-hand account of agriculture in action under a $4.75 million Australian Government program rolled out by state and territory farming bodies. Through the Educating Kids About Agriculture: Kids to Farms program, primary school students will learn about farming and agriculture industry career opportunities. Kids to Farms aims to increase understanding of where and how food and fibre is produced as well as the importance of farming to Australia’s way of life.

“This exciting program will see our state and territory farming organisations connect our kids with farms and provide them with a real hands-on experience and insight into what’s involved from the paddock to the plate,” says Agriculture Minister David Littleproud.

“We want to give our kids a greater understanding of the important role Australia’s thriving agriculture sector plays in our society, and these immersive, real-life experiences on-farm are sure to spark a lifelong love of the land.”

A key part of the program is to showcase to children the breadth of career opportunities that are now available in the agriculture industry.

“The kids of today will be the farmers, agri-scientists, livestock agents, biosecurity officers – even ag ministers – of tomorrow,” Littleproud says.

“Australia’s farming sector will lead our recovery out of COVID-19 and there has never been a better time for young Australians to study and pursue a career in agriculture.” 

Seven farming bodies will receive grants to sponsor government, Catholic and independent primary school visits to farms and other primary production worksites so students can learn about agriculture production, sustainability practices and land stewardship. The successful bodies include:

• Northern Territory Farmers Association Incorporated
• The Western Australian Farmers Federation
• AgForce Queensland Farmers Ltd
• The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association
• NSW Farmers Association
• Victorian Farmers Federation
• Primary Producers SA Incorporated

The first Kids to Farms “lessons” are expected to commence later in the 2020 school year. The program will run over three years, from 2019-20 to 2021-22, ending in June 2022.