THE Australian Government is working to ensure our farming future by investing $5 million to bring kids and farms closer together.
Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie said kids were increasingly removed from directly experiencing life on the land, which was a barrier to choosing agriculture as a career and allowed myths to perpetuate. “Australian agriculture has a bright and prosperous future, so we need to place a high value on educating young people about where – and how – their food and fibre is produced,” Minister McKenzie said.
“That’s why we are delivering on an election commitment and investing up to $5 million towards the Kids To Farms program, which is all about bringing farms and kids closer together. “I don’t want kids to think cotton is made from animals or that yogurt grows on trees. “We need to think now about the farmers of tomorrow and how important it is for kids to have a greater understanding of the mighty contribution agriculture makes to Australia’s way of life, regional communities and the economy.
“This new program will encourage young people to better understand and get excited about agriculture, including the many career opportunities it offers. “Our future workforce will operate drones, use satellite technology and deploy precision agriculture techniques. “We need more opportunities for young people to engage directly with agriculture, to see their food and fibre growing, and hear first-hand about our increasingly innovative industry that sustains our land as well as feeding and clothing the world.”
State Farming Organisations are the eligible applicants for grants to deliver Kids To Farms, which is part of the Australian Government’s $10 million Educating Kids About Agriculture election commitment. Consortia applications are welcome and interested parties should contact their State Farming Organisation to express their interest in partnering on projects.
Grant applications opened on January 30, 2020 and close February 26, 2020.
Details about the program and how to apply are available on the Community Grants Hub at communitygrants.gov.au