NSW Farmers’ Association Rural Affairs Committee Chair Sarah Thompson says at present there are a limited number of young people in Australia’s agricultural industry resulting in a skills shortage in the farming industry.

A report commissioned by the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture has concluded that there has been a 30 per cent decline in agricultural graduate completions at Australian universities for the period 2001-2006.

“These figures show the need to make tertiary agricultural subjects such as agricultural science more accessible and affordable to students across the nation,” Ms Thompson said.

“It also highlights the role agricultural education in high schools can play in promoting agriculture as a degree option for tertiary education which could then lead to a professional career in the agricultural industry.”

If the importance of sustainable food and fibre production is focused on in the school curriculum through the Years K-12, it can play an integral role in promoting agriculture to young people and could encourage them to move into a career in the industry.

The association is currently developing a Sustainable Food and Fibre Policy to be implemented at a National level for schools from K to Yr12.

“The association has voted to pursue an increase in funding in rural high schools, TAFEs and universities for the purpose of ensuring that rural families have access to high-quality education,” Mrs Thompson concluded. Have an opinion on the matter? Email it to mail.narrominenews@ruralpress.com