Agricultural educators from across Australia recently converged on Toowoomba for the annual National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) conference.
Throughout the five-day event, discussions about the future of ag teaching focused on creators and innovators and included industry panels, presentations and farm tours around the Darling Downs.
The principal sponsor of the conference, agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, hosted a panel discussion at the RaboTruck, which the ABC’s Landline host Pip Courtney hosted.
Producers and industry representatives highlighted the variety of career options available to students in the ag sector.
Rabo client council chair for southern Queensland Stuart Armitage said the client councils – groups of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of rural communities – recognise the
importance of supporting and investing in ag education and educators.
“The 140 teachers and educators who gathered in Toowoomba play a vital role in educating current and future generations about the exciting opportunities open to them in the agricultural sector,” he said.
“Australia is home to some of the most dynamic, successful and sustainable food and agribusiness organisations in the world, with huge growth opportunities – but also challenges – ahead in helping to sustainably feed and clothe the world.
“The role of ag educators has never been more important in harnessing these opportunities and meeting these challenges.”
