Gympie grant sows seeds in fertile agriculture minds

Agriculture education in the Gympie region will get a boost thanks to a $10,000 grant as part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said Gympie State High School had secured the funding under the Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program (AGISP).

“This grant will fund studies into the rapidly developing and crucial AgTech area which will play an increasingly important role in the agriculture industry,” he said.

“Funding such studies sows the seeds in fertile young minds for rewarding careers in agriculture, encouraging students to explore new technologies and think about new exciting job opportunities and skills needed in the future of agriculture.

Gympie State High School is one of five schools to receive the $10,000 grants, which are made possible by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s (DESBT) Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Mr Furner said the successful schools would use the funding to deliver a diverse range of projects addressing several key issues.

“Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan puts agriculture front and centre in Queensland’s economy, and these grants will help to foster the future of agricultural innovation,” Mr Furner said.

“Gympie State High School’s proposed project will see the design and installation of an individualised feed delivery system to use with their cattle herds. 

“Data from the feed system, combined with GPS tracking data, will allow students to gather a more holistic view of cattle feeding behaviours, design customised feeding regimes for each animal, evaluate their relative performance against industry benchmarks and will result in less wastage of feed.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business, Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said DESBT proudly supported agriculture through its funding of DAF to implement the AGISP.

“AGISP plays an important role in fostering an interest in agriculture in young Queenslanders and preparing them to make successful transitions from school to work or further education,” Ms Farmer said.

“Already, 65 schools are involved in AGISP and all were invited to apply for funding in two categories.

“Apart from the five schools that received funding of up to $10,000.00 in the first category focused on AgTech, a further 35 schools were granted up to $3000.00 for the second category, targeted at building on the current agribusiness programs in applicant schools.

“I encourage all schools to get involved in AGISP to support Queensland’s vibrant agriculture industry which is a vital sector of our economy.”

Media contacts:

Minister Furner – Ron Goodman – 0427 781 920

Minister Farmer – Kate Talbot – 0439 803 211