The Federal Government has thrown its backing behind the National Farmers' Federation's push for better education of school children on rural issues.
The Rudd Government has committed $175,000 in funding for the Primary Industries Education Foundation, which the NFF describes as a not-for-profit company formed to provide stimulating, factual and educationally-relevant materials about modern agriculture for use in Australia’s primary and secondary schools.
The NFF is a founding member and driving force behind the creation of the Foundation, having brought together agricultural groups, educators, peak bodies and the Government over 2006-09 to pioneer the national resource to meet the educational needs of schools, teachers and students that transcend state-based curricula.
"Farmers have been concerned about the information gap in community awareness around what modern agriculture is all about," NFF president David Crombie said.
"That information can be as simple as where milk comes from – and I don't mean from a carton or supermarket – to the more serious scientific and practical advances that place Australian agriculture at the forefront of internationally-competitive and environmentally-sustainable food and fibre production.
"Farmers are fundamental to human existence, with our farmers supplying 93pc of Australia’s daily food needs.
"But they are also at the cutting-edge of overcoming climate challenges. Indeed, natural resource management practices are actively employed on 94pc of Australian farms and we are renowned as one of the lowest carbon emitting farm systems on Earth."
But the NFF's push was designed to ensure that classrooms were a forum for "informed discussion and debate, where information is factual and the intellectual rigour underscoring it, is paramount".
It followed revelations in 2006 that green and animal welfare material was being used some classrooms, some of which was critical of farmers and their methods.
"In this regard, the PIEF is dedicated to provide stimulating, factual and educationally-relevant materials," Mr Crombie said.
"We have no desire to tell teachers what or how they should teach, rather we want to provide credible information about agriculture in a way teachers can readily access, adapt and use at the primary and secondary school levels."
Federal Agriculture Minister, Tony Burke, said the Foundation would provide opportunities for young people to learn about the importance of our agricultural industries and the enormous range of careers in agriculture.
"It is important children learn where their food and clothing comes from – that farmers provide the ingredients for their hot cross buns and their chocolate eggs," Mr Burke said.
"With the median age of farmers now over 50 years, it is important to ensure the next generation realises the career pathways available for those wanting to work in our agricultural industries.
"Working in agriculture goes beyond being on the land - we also need scientists, agricultural economists and environmental professionals.
"A vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector is key to the future prosperity of Australia and the world."
Following the Federal Government’s entry, the Foundation is now seeking membership from corporations; industry bodies; government departments; educator organisations, schools or groups; and individual teachers to join with the inaugural members, including: the NFF; Meat and Livestock Australia; the National Association of Agricultural Educators; the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture; and the CB Alexander Foundation, Tocal.
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