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Students from Summerdale Primary School in Launceston are heading into the country next week as part of a new pilot project to inspire the future generation of agricultural innovators.
The Enabling the Ag Innovators of the Future project is being delivered by the Tasmanian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TAS Farm Innovation Hub) in partnership with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) and the Hagley Agricultural Learning Centre (ALC).
Education Officer with the TFGA Claire Robertson said the project offered an exciting new experience for students, aiming to spark their interest in innovation for agriculture.
“We are aiming to inspire the next generation of agricultural innovators through a hands-on day at ALC at Hagley covering sustainable agriculture, the need to manage land and water, biosecurity, technology in agriculture and more,” Ms Robertson said.
“Once they have developed an understanding of the areas needing innovation, they will then explore their own ideas creating possible solutions to agricultural industry issues.
“This week’s excursion marks the sixth group of students to try the experience and we’ve been amazed by some of the fantastic innovative ideas generated so far.”
Director of the TAS Farm Innovation Hub Sandra Knowles said the hub was delighted to be working with the TFGA and ALC on a project that sparked interest in young people through a hands-on approach.
“It’s important we engage young people in agriculture and make them aware of the diverse career opportunities that are available,” Ms Knowles said.
“We need enthusiastic and innovative minds to ensure Australian agriculture is sustainable, resilient to a changing climate and continues to thrive.
“This project is a great way to plant the seed in the minds of young people and grow their enthusiasm.”
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is one of eight Hubs nationally funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. The Hub is based at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at the University of Tasmania and delivered through an extensive network of industry and community partners.
Interview and film/photo opportunity: Students will attend an excursion at the ALC on Friday, 12 May. Please contact Melissa Lewarn on melissa.lewarn@utas.edu.au or 0427 354 058 to arrange necessary education department approvals.
Information released by:
Communications Office University of Tasmania
+61 3 6226 2124
Communications.Office@utas.edu.au
Twitter.com/utas
