A NEW generation of farmers or scientists may have had their passion sparked following a presentation at the Sunray Warriors event by Nicole Byrnes, the Project Leader of Horticultural Innovation at SuniTAFE SMART Farm.

The popular event held on March 29 and 30 this year, is a multi-agency environmental education show-case, offered free to primary school students within our region.

More than 700 students enjoyed hands-on, interactive activities that helped them learn about our wonderful local biodiversity and what they can do to become environmental warriors.

When visiting the SuniTAFE SMART Farm tent, students put their knowledge to the test by guessing where they thought certain fruit and vegetables grow on an interactive poster.

“It was a lot of fun, there were many enthusiastic students,” Nicole said.

“Some found themselves stumped on certain fruit and vegetables, including peanuts and pineapple and were shocked that their parents hadn’t taught them where each of these grew.

“With so much beautiful fruit and vegetables growing locally, and with children driving past it each day, it’s really important that we can help them to gain an understanding of how it all grows.”

Following the first activity, students competed against one another to answer 10 quirky questions, including guessing how long the world’s longest carrot is.

“We hope they took away a few new facts and maybe even had their interest sparked in becoming a farmer in the future,” Nicole said.

Each participating school was provided with a STEM kit so the students could continue their environmental education at school after the event.