Books link kids to farms

STUDENTS at 102 Tasmanian schools can learn more about agriculture thanks to the donation of thousands of books.

Agricultural magnate John Nicoletti has taken a major step to shore up the future of the industry he loves by buying 4000 agriculturefocused books and donating them to schools across the country. About 2000 schools across every state and territory will receive a set of Alice Mabin’s The Grower series.

It is the largest private donation to the education system, with each set of books valued at $200.

“I grew up in a marginal area in the wheat belt of Western Australia, I’ve probably seen more droughts than good years but I still managed to put together a big chunk of land,” Mr Nicoletti said. “I want to encourage our young people. If we can give 10 or 50 or 100 people the inspiration to get out there and have a real crack — this is what it’s about.”

The author, teachers, families and businesses, big and small, got behind the project, helping to cover freight cost to schools.

The freight for books being distributed in Tasmanian schools has been paid for by Ruralco. “I saw the passion and perseverance that Aussie growers put into their animals and produce, but I also saw the disconnect between this industry and the people who are fed and clothed because of it,” Mabin said.

“Ag is the heart of our country and, with these books, school kids will get a better understanding of how and why that is,” she said.