The Kids to Farms program, an initiative aimed at increasing primary school students' engagement with agriculture, will soon be more accessible to schools across NSW.
As early as next month, NSW primary schools will be able to apply for up to $1,500 to visit a farm or agricultural site through the Kids to Farms program, funded as part of the Australian Government's Educating Kids About Agriculture: Kids to Farms program, which is delivered through the NSW Farmers' Association.
Through excursions to farms or incursions in the classroom, the Kids to Farms program enables school kids to learn where their food comes from and how a farm works.
"Where a few decades ago most people had a connection to farming, our younger generations are less exposed to this vital aspect of Australia's social and economic fabric," said Charlotte Groves, Young Farming Council Member from NSW Farmers.
"The Kids to Farms Program is an initiative seeking to close that gap, but some schools face a financial barrier in accessing the program."
Grants of up to $1,500 will be available for excursions conducted between 12 July 2021 and 17 December 2021.
Larger grants may be applied for and will be considered based on merit of the planned activity and the value it will bring to students.
The funding must be applied for one month prior to the excursion taking place, and will be in the form of a reimbursement once the excursion has taken place.
"Those interested in conducting an excursion in August should flag their interest now with NSW Farmers," said Charlotte.
