Teachers receive lesson in agriculture
02 December 2009
Farming focus ... teachers at the two-day agribusiness workshop.
Teachers from schools across southern Queensland recently went back to the classroom to learn about agriculture, its important role in people's lives and how to raise student awareness of careers in the industry.
Department of Education and Training Gateway Schools to Agribusiness manager John Martin said the 25 teachers, mostly from agribusiness gateway schools, found the two-day workshop extremely beneficial. The workshop was a partnership between AgAware, AgForce and Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF).
'Teachers saw first-hand the different areas of agriculture and the diversity of jobs available to students,' Mr Martin said.
'They also gained valuable knowledge and ideas of how to integrate industry relevance in this area into their teaching and learning, enhancing students' opportunities in gaining a headstart into careers in agriculture.'
AgForce Queensland schools to industry liaison officer Beth Welden said a common misconception was that careers in agriculture only included working in a field with crops and animals.
'Opportunities exist for financial advisors, scientists and international marketers,' Ms Weldon said.
'Agriculture is just the sector it happens in and what makes our jobs so valuable. By working in agriculture we can see first-hand how we support communities at home and overseas.'
QPIF science leader for innovative food technologies Roger Stanley said the workshop linked teachers with major industry and government stakeholders.
'Teachers saw how diverse skill sets and careers can be along the supply chain, from science and product development to market delivery,' Dr Stanley said.
'This workshop is another step forward in building a skilled workforce to secure the future viability of agriculture in Queensland.'
As part of the workshop, teachers toured QPIF's Hamilton Food Science Laboratory to see how researchers are improving food through science and technology, and visited beef supplier Australian Country Choice to hear from professionals employed from paddock to plate.
On the second day they toured Brisbane Markets at Rocklea to discuss distribution, food safety and marketing, and finished with a presentation by Rabobank on finance and risk management services for agribusiness.
The workshop supports the State Government's Gateway Schools to Agribusiness initiative and AgForce's School to Industry Partnership program which aim to give students pathways into agricultural industries.
For more information on Gateway Schools to Agribusiness visit the website 
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