AgForce has secured State Government funding to guarantee almost 700 students will have the chance to learn about the range of exciting job opportunities in agriculture and where their food and fibre comes from as the popular 'Moo Baa Munch' event returns to Toowoomba next week.
The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) has provided funding through the Gateway Schools initiative - enough funding to ensure the program could continue.
AgForce General President Georgie Somerset said DESBT's Gateway Schools to Agribusiness Engagement Program delivered by the AgForce SIPP team had proved a success in 2019.
"This years' two-day 'Moo Baa Munch' event will be attended by 17 schools from the Western and Darling Downs and 20 industry groups, and it is just one of 12 key events held throughout the State this year," Mrs Somerset said.
"It's wonderful we are able to run this event again this year, and we thank DESBT and Downlands College, where 'Moo Baa Munch' will be held next week, for stepping up and acknowledging the importance of showcasing agriculture to Queensland school students.
"Events like 'Moo Baa Munch' provide the first opportunity for many children to see cattle up close and to learn how bees make honey.
"It's also a chance for high school students to discover the amazing diversity of careers in modern agriculture - these days it isn't only about getting your hands dirty, technology in farming is proving a gamechanger.
"The amount of interest in next week's event drives home just how much support there is for this agricultural education program from industry, schools, teachers and students."
SIPP Coordinator Tanya Nagle shared Mrs Somerset's enthusiasm, saying she was thrilled by what they had planned for next week.
"It's fantastic to know so many children will be engaging with agriculture and learning about one of the fastest growing industries in the country," Ms Nagle said.
"And with many Australians describing their connection with agriculture as distant or non-existent, this program has never been more relevant than it is now in connecting school students of all ages with agriculture.
"That's why it's vital Government doesn't only maintain its current level of investment but actually increases it so more events like next weeks' 'Moo Baa Munch' can continue to be held throughout Queensland."
AgForce has supported and managed school to industry engagement programs since 2004 with 100 per cent of funds going towards whole-of-agriculture education activities and services.
Moo Baa Munch, 29-30 October 2019, 9:30am to 2:00pm, Downlands College, Toowoomba.
