A POPULAR school-based agriculture program which is being cut in Queensland is considered ‘no longer relevant’ by Agriculture Minister Mark Furner.
Mr Furner defended the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to scrap the School to Industry Partnership Program in State Parliament on Tuesday, saying it had limited reach and had run its course.
The SIPP program, which was administered by AgForce, started in 2004 as a way to connect school communities with agriculture and teach kids about life on the land and where their food comes from.
It will cease on December 31 this year, after the State Government elected not to renew the funding.
Mr Furner acknowledged SIPP had played a vital role in connecting school communities with agriculture.
“However, the program has limited reach given the large number of schools throughout the state and the cost of extending that reach equitably across Queensland is prohibitive,” Mr Furner said.
“The evolving school curriculum with an increased focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the success of targeted agriculture education programs such as the Agribusiness Gateway Schools to Industry Program also means that SIPP is not as relevant as it was when it was commenced over a decade ago.
“For these reasons no funding has been allocated for the continuation or expansion of the SIPP beyond 31 December 2018.”
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington slammed the move saying it undermined the future of agriculture in Queensland.
“This is a hands-on education program that showcases where food comes from and highlights agricultural job opportunities to school students,” Ms Frecklington said.
“We need to be encouraging our kids to explore careers in agriculture to ensure the industry has a strong future.
“We also need to be encouraging people to buy our produce and education is a key stepping stone.
“This successful program has been running for 14 years and is vital for farmers and Queensland kids.
“More than 10,000 Queensland school students a year benefit from the program.”
LNP Agriculture spokesman Tony Perrett called on the State Government to reinstate the program.
“Agriculture in Queensland won’t survive if it keeps getting kicked in the guts by Labor,” Mr Perrett said.