Farms2Schools is an innovative program that will use school incursions and excursions with farms to provide students with an insight into how agricultural products get from the paddock to their plate.
The program will introduce students to farmers and agricultural industry workers from their local area, who will share information about farming through a range of visual and practical activities.
The program will deliver online learning sessions across the south east (Western Port and Mornington Peninsula catchments), north (Yarra catchment) and west (Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments) areas of the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
Three Farms2Schools Officers will work with schools and farmers to deliver the program.
This project is delivered in partnership with AUSVEG VIC and is supported by the Victorian Government.
Incursions
School incursions will involve a farmer or industry professional preparing an online incursion, or visiting the school, to share their experiences and insights with the students. Sessions will be tailored to meet the needs of each school.
The sessions will provide students with the chance to directly ask a farmer their own questions and cover topics such as how food is grown, managing an agricultural enterprise and life on the land.
The farmers involved in incursions will need to be confident, enthusiastic and keen to share their knowledge with students. Presenters will need to use verbal presentation skills, multimedia (photos and videos), practical examples and activities. Farmers will be paid a fee for their preparation, travel and presentation of up to $250 per incursion.
Farms and schools will be matched and booked by a Farms2School Officer. Due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, all incursions will be held virtually through an appropriate online platform, until further notice.
Excursions
Schools that select a Farms2Schools excursion will be matched with a suitable local farm and/or agricultural facility for students to visit. Excursions are anticipated to generally be ‘on-farm’ and to take two to four hours, depending on travel time and age of the students. A Farm2Schools Officer will help to arrange a suitable date and time. Biosecurity measures will be in place during all farm visits.
Preference may be given to farms that can offer good access to showcase whole farm systems, such as packing sheds, processing, farm gates, advanced/precision technology and/or multiple (stacked) enterprises. Farms will be paid a fee of up to $800 per excursion.
It is envisaged that excursions will commence in Term 4 (depending on coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions).
Expression of interest
If you are a farm or school in the Port Phillip and Western Port region and are interesting in participating in the Farms2Schools program please fill in the appropriate form below.
Schools expression of interest form
Farmer expression of interest form
Educational resources
Teachers often ask for links to additional resources, so they can continue the lessons with students after Farms2Schools sessions. Here are a few we recommend:
- Primezone: exploring sustainable practices in food and fibre production
- FoodPrint Melbourne: biomes and food security
- Australia Eggs: primary school resources
- Australia Eggs: secondary school resources
- Dairy Australia: discover dairy curriculum resources
- Apple and Pear Industry: apple varieties, growing region and seasons
- Grains Research and Development Corporation: lesson plans for secondary students
- AUSVEG Consumer Resource Centre: videos. vegetable educational resources for all ages
- Phenomenon: lessons and videos focused on vegetables, nutrition and science
- Junior Landcare: Just for Kids resources focused on food production, biodiversity, waste management and Indigenous perspectives
Enquiries
Karen Thomas
Regional Agriculture Facilitator
karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic.gov.au
0427 480 170
