Ekka Education nurtures tomorrow’s growers

At QFVG we know horticulture is an essential sector, and attracting young minds is just one piece of the puzzle to ensuring its vibrant future.

We know nutrients derived from fresh produce is vital to our everyday health, so every day we throw ourselves into finding ways to value those who grow it today and attract those who will grow it into the future.  

Recently, primary school students across the southeast were invited to explore the wonderful world of fruit and veg as part of Ekka Education’s Rural Discovery Days. QFVG’s Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) Officers, in collaboration with Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Pick of the Crop initiative, hosted the horticulture session.  

During the week-long event, students met with local growers, asking many questions about their work, and how their crops are grown and harvested. Students also got their hands dirty with a seed planting activity and taste what their little seeds would grow into: fresh crunchy beans.

For the first time, growers were paid as supply teachers for their participation. This was a wonderful way to recognise the value of our growers’ skills, knowledge, and experience in producing our food from seed to plate.

Although working with groups of students from preppies to grade six may sound like a daunting task when you’re used to being out on the farm, the growers did a cracking job engaging students.  

Leisa Gore of Qualipac and Lillie Miles of Yowie Mulgowie Salads were two of our growers who participated in the event. 

They told students about all the different jobs needed on a farm, and what they enjoyed most about their work.

“Students already have a good grasp on the fact that they need fruit and veg to stay healthy and strong,” said Ms Gore.

“But it was great to share with them that there are so many interesting career opportunities on the farm, whether you want to work on the machinery, the tractors, in QA or HR – we need bright minds to get that healthy produce to tables in Australia and overseas,” Ms Gore said.

For 23-year-old Lillie Miles, working on the farm has brought out her passion to learn more about agriculture and brought the Lockyer Valley local out of her shell.

“I hadn’t long left high school, was shy, and not sure what I wanted to do, but I love being out in the sunshine and meeting people who come from all over the world to work on the farm,” she said.

With her three-years’ experience, Ms Miles now leads crews and wants to undertake her tractor training.

Just as we discovered at the Ekka in 2023, our next generation is just as interested in how their food is grown and those who grow it.

Liz Ford, Southern Queensland QAWN Officer said the students were keen to ask the growers questions.

“They wanted to know about what growers enjoyed about their work, how long certain crops take to grow, and how they get harvested,” Ms Ford said.

“Hopefully we’ve inspired a few young minds to think about a career in agriculture.”

Thank you to Health and Wellbeing Queensland and Ekka Education for this opportunity to share the vibrant world of horticulture with our next generation.

And to the growers who said yes to being involved and getting over their fear of public speaking – a big thank you from all of us! Many hidden talents were discovered over the course of the week. Hopefully along the way we’ve inspired a few young minds to think about a career with us too.