Australia
June 3, 2014
Careers in horticulture will be the hot topic of conversation when close to 50 students studying agriculture at Far North Queensland high schools visit the AUSVEG National Convention in Cairns on Friday 20 June.
“Young people represent the future of Australian horticulture, and AUSVEG is proud to be able to provide these keen young minds with the opportunity to learn from Horticulture’s leading industry contributors,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Lauren Winterbottom.
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“Horticulture is a dynamic industry that can encompass any number of extremely rewarding careers. As a 4 billion dollar industry, horticulture can provide opportunities far beyond just picking vegetables. Modern farmers are trained business managers, financial controllers, agronomists and logistics experts, to name only a few of their many skills,” said Ms Winterbottom.
Students from Mareeba State High School and Atherton High School are currently set to attend the Convention, which is the largest single event in Australian horticulture.
Students will hear from one of Australia’s most prominent experts in the futuristic study of horticultural robotics, Professor Salah Sukkarieh from the University of Sydney. They will also be addressed on the potential career pathways available through the horticulture industry by North Queensland Regional Workplace Development Officer, Ms Leanne Kruss. An AUSVEG representative will also provide an overview of the research and development and representative activities undertaken in the vegetable industry.
“The number of students enrolled in agricultural courses at the university level has dropped significantly over the past 10 years, but by showing students the extent of our industry’s growth, and the opportunities on offer through horticulture, we can show young people there is a career in the industry,” said Ms Winterbottom.
The AUSVEG National Convention is the largest event in Australian horticulture, and celebrates the achievements of the industry by bringing together vegetable and potato growers from around the country. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend this year’s Convention.
“The need to get students engaged and excited by horticulture has never been greater. The industry is in constant need of new recruits to embrace new ideas and continue the industry’s success,” said Ms Winterbottom.
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