MEDIA RELEASE - SEED treats teachers to a plate full
February 2016
On Friday, a group of Manjimup Senior High School teachers took part in a professional development (PD) day with a difference. Hosted by the Shire of Manjimup's Southern Forests SEED Program, the PD day included a tour of Advanced Packing and Marketing packing shed and new food processing plant in Manjimup, followed by a visit to Silkwood Wines in Pemberton.
A number of professional development days for teachers have taken place since 2014, which have aimed to provide teachers with a taste for what farms in the area produce, how scientific farming has become in the 21st century and to raise awareness of the training and employment opportunities available in the sector. "The more we highlight agriculture to both new and existing teachers, the more our students will hear about agriculture in the classroom," explained Shire President Wade DeCampo.
This year's PD day was given an 'Agri-food'/'Agri-tourism' focus, with the objective being to demonstrate what happens to produce after cultivation and harvesting. "There is a lot more to agriculture than meets the eye," said Cr DeCampo. Local businesses Advanced Packing and Marketing and Silkwood Wines demonstrate the progression of various products through the market and supply chain and exhibit how downstream processing adds value to a product. "The teachers now make the connection with how complementary facilities, such as the new food processing plant, cellar door and restaurant etc, can provide alternatives to market and additional career and business progression opportunities," said Cr DeCampo.
These agri-food and agri-tourism type businesses often attract skilled locals to return to the region explained Cr DeCampo, saying "they also offer opportunities for school leavers to start their career and upskill along the way."
"Our region is rich in the variety of amazing produce that originates from here, and we're keen to see more downstream processing become available to keep that produce in the region to change its form, rather than send it away," said Cr DeCampo.
"As this sector grows in our region, so too do the education, training, employment and business opportunities, which is why these types of businesses are being showcased by the Southern Forests SEED Program."
The Southern Forests SEED Program is a part of the overall Agricultural Expansion Project, funded under the Royalties for Regions SuperTowns program. Find out more here.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Gail Ipsen Cutts, Acting Chief Executive Officer
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support Contact: 9771 7777
