National Strategy launched to connect Australian students with Food and Fibre Education

The National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy was launched today, marking an unprecedented collaboration between 15 rural research and development corporations to transform how Australian students learn about the nation’s $80 billion food and fibre sector.

The Strategy aims to inspire and equip the next generation with knowledge about modern food and fibre production, while highlighting the diverse career opportunities in one of Australia’s most vital industries.

Research shows nearly 80% of primary students cannot identify current dairy farming practices, and three quarters of Australians live in major cities, increasingly disconnected from food production. This Strategy addresses a critical knowledge gap that threatens the sector’s future workforce and social licence.

Troy Setter, Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Pastoral Company, said the Strategy is a significant 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,” Mr Setter said.

“It’s about inspiring the next generation to see agriculture as innovative, aspirational, and vital to Australia’s future workforce. The collaborative approach outlined in this Strategy will help bridge the urban–rural divide, build trust, and ensure our sector remains at the forefront of global challenges and opportunities.”

The Strategy sets an ambitious vision: Australian students and educators informed and empowered to champion a sustainable, thriving food and fibre sector. It focuses on three priorities:

• Strengthening school–industry connections
• Providing targeted support for educators
• Securing government backing for curriculum development and infrastructure.

Currently, food and fibre education lacks consistent traction in schools despite excellent isolated examples. Only 25% of educators find it easy to access industry contacts, while misconceptions persist that the sector offers limited or outdated career opportunities, beliefs this Strategy aims to challenge.

This collaborative approach unites expertise from across agriculture, fisheries and forestry, including grains, livestock, dairy, horticulture, wool, cotton, wine, seafood and forestry industries. Together, these organisations will deliver professional development for teachers, curriculum-linked resources and hands-on learning experiences that connect students directly with modern food and fibre production.

With the food and fibre sector employing an estimated 1.7 million Australians on and off farm, addressing workforce challenges is critical. Research shows personal connections with rural industries significantly increase community trust, making school engagement essential for maintaining the sector’s social licence.

The Strategy was developed through extensive consultation, involving more than 900 engagement touchpoints with teachers, principals, government representatives, industry leaders and education experts across all states and territories between November 2024 and September 2025. The feedback and insights gathered have directly shaped the priorities and actions outlined in the Strategy.

Implementation planning is underway, including governance structures and a multi-year investment plan, due for release in early 2026. This is just the beginning. Through ongoing engagement and collaboration, the Strategy will continue to evolve, ensuring it delivers meaningful outcomes for schools, educators, and the broader sector. Our goal is to build on the effectiveness of existing programs such as those led by Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) and introduce new initiatives that are modern, hands-on, and accessible to schools in urban, rural, and remote communities.

By fostering curiosity, challenging outdated assumptions and showcasing diverse career pathways, the Strategy will inspire young Australians to engage with an industry at the forefront of addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainability.

Click to download the National Schools Food & Fibre Education Strategy

This project is a joint RDC initiative with, AgriFutures Australia, Australian Eggs Ltd, Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Australian Pork Ltd, Australian Wool Innovation Ltd, Cotton Research & Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, Forest & Wood Products Australia, Grains Research & Development Corporation, Hort Innovation, LiveCorp, Sugar Research Australia, Meat & Livestock Australia and Wine Australia.

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Ellie Reid
Manager, Engagement & Communications, AgriFutures Australia
| 0457 084 715