Ag needs a grassroots approach to agricultural education | OPINION

I mentioned the Tasmanian Agricultural Education Network and one of its seven aims, namely: "improve and promote agricultural career pathways in line with industry requirements".

One way I noted was to ensure there are staff in industry who, as part of their job, make sure that there is effective dialogue.

I had some very productive discussions with one such person, who had done some work for me as an agricultural consultant.

She is an agri-ecologist, is now in industry, and is keen to develop that dialogue.

"My name is Ali Dugand. Fascinated with the interconnectedness of the natural world as a kid, I was drawn to plants and animals and how both look after each other for rewards," she said.

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"Later in life, that philosophy continues, as we need plants and animals to survive, in the natural world as well as in the domestic sense.

"So, I have studied both and am privileged to work with both - this is my reward. My day job is in the field of intensive carrot production for Harvest Moon, Forth, Tasmania.

"I'm nurturing the crop from seeding to harvest. I will soon implement strategies around soil structure improvements for overall soil health and financial resilience.

"After hours I support landowners who recognise the values of the Tasmanian wilderness, small portions of which are often on farms.

"Through the Tasmanian Land Conservancy's Land for Wildlife program I share options to acknowledge and enhance these systems.

"FOR those who plan to embark on entering the agricultural sector and find themselves daunted by layers of processes that can take the passion out of the original intent, they should spare a thought for the educator who has been given a brief to deliver, often without relevant formal or practical experience in the particular subject

"In recent times, as a mature aged student myself, it was apparent to me that the educators had been handed the coursework, and were often just a week or so ahead of me.

"Learning together is fine, but at what cost? Being reliant on our current system is flawed, and is often the reason students drop out.

"The apprenticeship concept is also a tired model and is essentially cheap labour.

"The apprentice often suffers abuse, may not last the duration, and is completely discouraged.

"I have often been called upon to lecture students on soil health resilience systems - often the educator will comment that the industry insights from a practitioner are a valuable resource, packed with practical hands-on information that they themselves didn't have.

"Industry can take the lead here by recruiting relevant educator capacity as part of their staff complement. This provides:

"Industry should be subsidised to 'teach the teacher'. The results could be a win/win."

So there you have it.

I'll be following up with the Harvest Moon top brass; watch this space.

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