Sustainable Farming Fund backs web-based education

A web-based education resource that teaches students about the value of plant nutrients is being backed by Federated Farmers.

The organisation says the resource will help the next generation of New Zedalanders understand how agriculture systems work.

The Sustainable Farming Fund has announced $93,000 funding to develop the learning tool for students from Year 5 to Year 8.

Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers education spokesperson, says nutrients often get bad press.

"The fact that its web based, and not restricted to books and blackboards, will add to its attraction to both students and teachers," he says.

"Getting young New Zealanders to understand the positive role nutrients play in plant growth and food production, and the relationship between food production and environmental protection, is important for the whole agricultural sector," says Powdrell.

He says the aim of the resource is to provide balanced and accurate information to teachers on the role of nutrients in food production. "This project is a great step forward in getting youngsters on our side, helping them understand what we do and why.

Powdrell says he hopes more promotion of sciences, which are applicable to pastoral industries, will attract students to agriculture careers.

"What a student studies largely determines what career path they will go down, and we need more scientists and rural professionals to support the primary industry," he says.

The project, 'Plants, Soil and Society - A Core Curriculum Digital Education Resource', will be developed by the Fertiliser Quality Council.