Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program: Evaluation report

Despite the growing diversity of careers in Primary Industries, young peoples’ pursuit of agricultural careers is often hampered by outdated perceptions of the sector and its opportunities. As Primary Industries adapt to the threat of natural disasters by turning to scientific and technological solutions, a diverse, highly skilled workforce will be required. In the wake of the devastating impacts of storm and floods in early 2021 across New South Wales, the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (SFIRP): Creating resilience through empowering school curriculums about primary industries careers project was developed. To aid the long-term recovery and resilience of the NSW agriculture industry, Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) was tasked to design and provide educational opportunities for promoting studies of food, fibre and agriculture and associated careers. The program aimed to inspire students in NSW to pursue career pathways in Primary Industries. Accordingly, the SFIRP has endeavoured to support industry recovery by challenging industry misconceptions and equipping teachers and careers advisors to educate students about opportunities to post-school pathways and careers in agriculture. An independent evaluation of SFIRP was undertaken by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and is presented in this report.