Schools Harvest: Students showcase home grown produce

Steers

High School students are making the final preparations for an extravagant dining experience, with school-raised steers and home-grown vegetables on the menu for one of Sydney agriculture's showcase events, the Schools Harvest dinner.

This year's Schools Harvest dinner, a partnership between the University of Western Sydney and the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, will see agriculture, food technology & hospitality high school students showcase their talents at the Charley Room, Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday October 19. 
The event organiser Mr Stephen Blunden, Adjunct Fellow at the University of Western Sydney's School of Science & Health, says the dinner is a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience career opportunities across the food chain.
"We should congratulate these students on growing their own vegetables and raising their own stock in a large urban metropolis. It's a fantastic achievement," says Mr Blunden.
"The exposure to this experience has seen previous students make great connections in their career opportunities, and we once again imagine the event will spur many to pursue a career in hospitality and agriculture."
On the night, students will prepare a four course meal under the guidance of Sydney Showground Executive Chef, Tim Browne, who has developed menus incorporating the participating schools produce from their agricultural plots.
According to George Davey, General Manager Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, educational initiatives like the Schools Harvest dinner allow students to gain a greater understanding of the industry.
"This is a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in food production and the journey it takes from the paddock to their plate," says Mr Davey.
"The RAS is proud to support this important initiative and we are thankful for the support that it has received from some of the food industry's leading people, such as RAS Councillor and passionate foodie Lyndey Milan.
"Through the enhanced Schools Program at the 2013 Sydney Royal Easter Show, the RAS is hoping to engage with more young people, like those that have participated in this initiative, that demonstrate a passion and commitment to forge a career in the agricultural industry." 
The high schools involved in this year's Schools Harvest are:
  • Bede Polding College, South Windsor
  • Crestwood High School, Baulkham Hills
  • Oakhill College, Castle Hill
  • The Kings School, Parramatta
Schools Harvest is sponsored by industry organisations including, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, the UWS Hawkesbury Foundation, the Office of Engagement at the University of Western Sydney and Hawkesbury Harvest.

Ends

16 October 2012

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer