Charlotte Groves – Wagga Wagga
"Having being born into a farming family, agriculture has always been a major part of my life. My family has a mixed enterprise farm at Cowra, in the states Central West; so my university holidays are usually spent working at home helping out with a variety of tasks, from shearing, to hay season and harvest. I became involved with NSW Farmers because I wanted to be a part of the effort to advocate for agriculture in New South Wales, having been given the opportunity to be the Young Farmer representative for the Animal Welfare Committee.
Having just completed my second year of a Bachelor of Education, I have begun to spend an increasing amount of time in classrooms all around the state, meeting lots of children of different ages and backgrounds. This time has only further emphasised how important food and fibre education is and how we should be working to educate the next generation about what goes on their plates and what they put on their backs. A recent survey of school students showed that 43 per cent of those surveyed did not link science to primary production. The future of a vibrant, sustainable and productive primary industry sector depends on a knowledgeable and supportive community.
Going forward, the representation of agriculture as a respected and valued industry in our community will be dependent on attitudes which have their basis on science and facts. These facts, if food and fibre education is to be further supported by the state government, can be provided in the classroom, leading our students to make informed decisions moving forward.
I’m sure I am speaking for all Young Farmers when I say that I can only hope agriculture will gain more and more allies leading into the future, as the perception of primary production depends on the food and fibre education students receive – starting in the classroom."