National Strategy to Boost Food and Fibre Education

A new National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy has been launched, bringing together 15 rural research and development corporations to improve the way Australian students learn about food and fibre production.

The Strategy aims to address growing knowledge gaps, highlighted by research showing almost 80 per cent of primary students cannot identify contemporary dairy farming practices, a situation driven in part by the fact that most Australians now live in major cities and are increasingly disconnected from food production.

Chair of the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations Troy Setter, said the Strategy represents a major step forward for the sector.

“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,” he said.

He added that the approach would “bridge the urban–rural divide, build trust, and ensure our sector remains at the forefront of global challenges and opportunities.”

The Strategy focuses on strengthening school–industry links, supporting teachers, and securing government backing for curriculum development.

More than 900 consultations with educators, governments and industry informed its design, with implementation planning due for release in early 2026.