Students from the Richmond Agricultural Centre have literally got down to grass roots in workshops about how agriculture could look in the future, as part of the Centre’s partnership with Western Sydney University.

The workshops marked National Science Week (August 11 – 15) and included water management, soil care, plant pollination, restoring ecosystems and regenerative agriculture.

The subjects are all vital to the future of agriculture in NSW, and the students who took part are likely to help shape that future.

The importance of their role and that of students who follow them is reflected in new designs for the Centre.

The concept for the project includes classrooms, a science learning hub, farming facilities, a greenhouse, multi-purpose hall, canteen, administration, a Covered Outdoor Learning Area and dedicated spaces to support Aboriginal enterprise.

The next steps include completing the detailed design and seeking approval for construction, which is expected to start late this year.

Principal Kris Beazley said the students’ response to the program has been very strong, with forty taking part on the first day, ninety on the second, and sixty registered for the following days.

“The week’s activities demonstrate how productive close co-operation with the university can be in our partnered learning model,” said Ms Beazley.

“These students could be shaping the future of agriculture in NSW, so they must have access to the latest expertise.

“I’m confident the workshops will have been a great inspiration to them, and will encourage them to make the most of the facilities we already have, and those we’ll have in future as the upgrade takes shape.”