Fresh Food Future program to boost agricultural science grads

Woolworths has joined forces with the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) to help unlock the potential of high school science students around the country.

As part of its Fresh Food Future program, Woolworths has committed to support the PICSE program. “Our aim is to continue supporting the sustainable production and supply of Australian food,” said Stephan Hendriks, Manager - Leadership and Organisation Development, Woolworths Talent Development Team. “One way to do that is to invest in a pipeline of future leaders who can make a real contribution to agribusiness developments over the coming decades.”

The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education sponsorship complements existing Fresh Food Future initiatives such as the Woolworths Agricultural Business Scholarship and the Australian Rural Leadership Program - both aimed at creating industry leaders to help manage the food industry’s evolution towards sustainability.

“To create future leaders, you need to invest in building strong skills, which is something the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education is already doing on a national scale. Encouraging today’s brightest minds to become tomorrow’s researchers, inventors, agronomists or producers is central to our aims.”

The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education is a partnership between universities, agribusiness, research organisations, schools, community and governments. It delivers education programs that aim to inspire students towards science careers, helping to create high-calibre science graduates who are business-ready for Australia’s primary industries.

“The issue of encouraging young people into careers in food security for Australia is one of national concern and one that the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education has been addressing since 1998. A secure future depends on scientific research and investment, as well as the availability of highly trained personnel. The PICSE program has the overall objective of providing young scientists to fill this shortage in human capacity, especially in regional areas,” said Associate Professor David Russell, National Director of the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education.

“Our partnership with Woolworths will enable us to continue delivering these educational programs to high school students, many of whom have not yet considered a career in agribusiness or science.”

The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education program includes various separate activities that, together, inspire students to consider science as a tertiary study option and, eventually, as a career relating to food security.

“School visits are the first step for the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education program, introducing students and teachers to the possibilities and letting them know about the opportunities provided by the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education,” explained David. “One of those opportunities for senior students is the chance to compete for an Industry Placement Scholarship, which includes both an industry placement where students work as a scientist alongside researchers and industry professional practitioners, as well as a week-long residential industry science camp.

“We also run an annual Science Investigation Awards program, in which both primary and high school students investigate a topic of their own choosing, communicating their scientific findings both verbally and as a poster. Winning students receive cash prizes.”

0Woolworths will support the 2011 program, enabling the organisation’s Science Education Officers (SEOs) to make 200 school visits around the country. It will also contribute to the success of the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education’s annual science camp. In addition, Woolworths will provide awards for the Science Investigation Awards program.

For more information about the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education, visit www.picse.net.

For more information about Woolworths Fresh Food Future program, visit www.woolworths.com.au.