Local farming group supports SEED Program
MEDIA RELEASE - Local farming group supports students on the Southern Forests SEED program
September 2016
The Warren Cauliflower Group Inc. has recently contributed $3000 to the Shire of Manjimup's Royalties for Regions funded Southern Forests SEED Program.The aim of the funding boost is to assist with the continuation of initiatives such as farm excursions, to promote careers in agriculture to local high school students.
The Warren Cauliflower Group Inc. is an association consisting of local vegetable producers who work together to promote and encourage all aspects of the industry. Garry East, Chairperson of the group, explained how attracting youth to agriculture is critical. "The SEED program is unique in its ability to facilitate connections between young people and our local farming industries and community," said Mr East.
Shire President Wade Decampo said "it is extremely encouraging that the Warren Cauliflower Group has recognised the synergies between themselves and the Southern Forests SEED Program, and the value in promoting agricultural careers to our local youth."
Stephanie Carstairs, who has led the program since its inception in late 2013, noted how uptake of the program has grown exponentially since the first initiatives were rolled out in 2014. "Awareness of potential career paths in agriculture, both locally and beyond, has certainly grown as a result of the SEED Program," said Ms Carstairs. "We've branched out further than high school students too, with programs being incorporated into the lower and middle school curriculums to drive knowledge and interest in agriculture from a young age."
"Receiving financial support from the Warren Cauliflower Group will enable us to continue to engage with local students and potentially attract them to a career in the industry, which is essentially what the program is about," said Ms Carstairs.
Cr DeCampo and Mr East are encouraging other local businesses and groups to provide support for the SEED Program, either financially or otherwise. "We want to incite the perpetuation of the SEED program, with the ultimate aim being to engage our youth in the industry in order to keep vegetable production, and other forms of agriculture, sustainable for future generations," said Cr DeCampo.
For further information, please contact Stephanie Carstairs, Education Development Officer for the Shire of Manjimup on 0417 881 665 or Stephanie.carstairs@manjimup.wa.gov.au - or visit the Shire of Manjimup website. www.manjimup.wa.gov.au/SEED .
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President
Contact: 0427 094 081
