URGENT UPDATE: A groundbreaking initiative, the National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy, was launched today by AgriFutures Australia, uniting 15 rural research and development corporations in a mission to reshape how Australian students engage with the nation’s $80 billion food and fibre sector. This strategy is crucial for bridging the knowledge gap that threatens the future workforce in agriculture.
The launch, held on November 20, 2025, aims to combat alarming statistics: nearly 80 percent of primary students cannot identify modern dairy farming practices, while 75 percent of Australians live in urban areas, increasingly detached from food production. This initiative is not just informative; it’s a call to action, highlighting diverse career opportunities within one of Australia’s most essential industries.
Troy Setter, CEO of Consolidated Pastoral Company, emphasized the urgency of this initiative. “This Strategy is a game-changer for Australia’s food and fibre sector. By embedding food and fibre education in schools, we’re not just teaching kids where their food comes from; we’re opening doors to dynamic careers in agtech, sustainability, and global trade,” Setter stated.
The strategy outlines three key priorities:
1. Strengthening school–industry connections
2. Providing targeted support for educators
3. Securing government backing for curriculum development and infrastructure
With 1.7 million Australians employed in the food and fibre sector, addressing workforce challenges is vital. Current statistics show that only 25 percent of educators find it easy to access industry contacts, and misconceptions about limited career opportunities persist. This strategy aims to challenge those beliefs, uniting experts across various sectors such as grains, livestock, dairy, and horticulture to provide curriculum-linked resources and hands-on experiences.
The extensive consultation process involved over 900 engagements with teachers, principals, government officials, and industry leaders across all states and territories from November 2024 to September 2025. Feedback from these sessions directly influenced the strategy’s development, ensuring it meets the needs of schools and students nationwide.
Implementation planning is already underway, with governance structures and a multi-year investment plan expected to be released in early 2026. This marks only the beginning of a transformative journey aimed at fostering curiosity and challenging outdated assumptions about agriculture.
The collaborative effort includes major organizations such as Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Australian Wool Innovation Ltd, and Wine Australia, among others. By introducing modern, hands-on initiatives, the strategy aims to make food and fibre education accessible to schools in urban, rural, and remote communities.
As the world faces pressing challenges like climate change and food security, this initiative aspires to inspire young Australians to engage with an industry that is not only vital but also innovative and future-oriented. The strategy will continue to evolve, ensuring it delivers tangible benefits for schools and the broader agricultural sector.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical educational initiative progresses and shapes the future of food and fibre education in Australia. Share this news to spread the word about this vital step toward a more informed and engaged generation!
