Farming groups launch National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy
Fifteen rural corporations have united to launch a landmark national strategy to overhaul how students learn about the nation’s food and fibre sector.
Australia’s farm leaders have united in a landmark push to get agriculture back into classrooms, launching a national strategy to overhaul how students learn about the nation’s food and fibre sector.
Fifteen rural research and development corporations have banded together to roll out the National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy, launched last week.
Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations Troy Setter said the strategy was a “game-changer” for Australia’s food and fibre sector.
“By embedding food and fibre education in schools, we’re not just teaching kids where their food comes from, we’re opening doors to dynamic careers in agtech, sustainability, and global trade,” Mr Setter said.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation to see agriculture as innovative, aspirational, and vital to Australia’s future workforce. The collaborative approach outlined in this strategy will help bridge the urban – rural divide, build trust, and ensure our sector remains at the forefront of global challenges and opportunities.”
The strategy recognises primary and secondary students have outdated knowledge of the food and fibre sector, which contributes to difficulties attracting a skilled workforce.
Research shows nearly 80 per cent of primary school students cannot identify current dairy farming practices, and that just 53 per cent of Australians agree that farmers, fishers and foresters manage their environmental impacts effectively.
Additionally, 73 per cent of Australians live in major cities, and are disconnected from local food production.
The strategy sets out a 10-year plan, with projects including supporting more students to undertake experience in industry, providing professional development to teachers to encourage an interest in food and fibre education, and engaging governments across all levels to invest in food and fibre education.
Nationals senator Ross Cadell said the report highlighted the need for greater education around the value of the fisheries and forestry sector.
“Across regional Australia hundreds of communities are underpinned by the fisheries and forestry sector providing stable employment and career pathways,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the sector is seen in a misguided light by many and doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves when it comes to value add.
“Australia can’t afford to lose a generation of skilled workers and risk the sustainability of an industry critical to keeping Australian families fed.”
