Mr Mulherin, who was launching 'Revolutionary Science', a forum designed to entice more students into agriscience, said employing talented, young people was critical to addressing one of the world's most pressing problems.

"The world is in the midst of a food crisis that could last for the next 10 years and it's calling out for Australian produce and expertise," he said.

"Careers in agricultural science are so important to Queensland's future that they are the focal point of Queensland's 2008 Primary Industries Week (May 9-16).

"We are ideally placed to provide global leadership in agriscience to benefit both Australian producers and importantly some of the world's poorest countries.

"But at a time of opportunity, our agribusiness sector faces challenges ranging from drought to flood, the effects of a global economy and have more jobs than people to fill them."

Mr Mulherin said the rural sector was facing a steady decline in students graduating from Australian agricultural science courses.

Figures from Australia's major universities highlight the opportunities available to students seeking a rewarding career in the agricultural sector.

University of Sydney research indicates demand for people with agricultural and natural resource management is expected to rise by 36pc over the next six years.

The Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture has carried out an Australia-wide study which shows that universities are producing less than half the number of graduates required.

Annual demand is for about 2000 graduates, with only 750 currently graduating.

Commencing numbers in the University of Queensland's Bachelor of Agricultural Science program have declined steadily from more than 50 students in 2003 to less than 20 students in 2008.

Mr Mulherin said Queensland must embrace the challenge of attracting more talented young people into an agricultural science career.

"Our farmers are already amongst the world's best. They are innovative, open to new ideas, and hard working," he said.

"But studies have found that they need to know how to use the latest information and technology to compete globally and plan for climate change. They want to maximise the production from their land and expand their businesses, but they need help to do this."

Mr Mulherin said his department had invested in programs to help address the skill gaps impeding the next generation's development.

"Today we're encouraging students to explore career opportunities through a graduate recruitment program, train eeships, industry placement, work experience, short-term project work and volunteer work," Mr Mulherin said.

He said the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries had an annual science scholarship scheme to support outstanding science students and invest in the future of the students, scientific research and the primary sector.

"My message to year 12 graduates is clear," he said.

"If you want to make a real difference to what we eat, grow in our backyards and sell worldwide, and to be a leader in world-class science and technology, consider a career in agricultural science.

"If you want the freedom to explore non-traditional career opportunities, to be a leader in addressing many of the world's most pressing problems, consider a career in agricultural science."

It was a similar message delivered by CSIRO Livestock Industries in Rockhampton yesterday, which hosted local high school students to its JM Rendel laboratory.

CSIRO research scientist Dr Nigel Tomkins said the organisation had deliberately changed tack from open days in recent years, which had concentrated on CSIRO's on-farm research at Belmont.

"The focus this year is away from the cattle yards and the farm and the dust - there is science in agricultural science and this is how it happens," Dr Tomkins said.

"If we can get just two kids from each day that says, 'Wow, I'd like a career in science,' then it's two days well spent."

About 160 high school students from throughout the region participated in the science discovery days, and were treated to six hands-on workshops all dealing with major issues facing agriculture.

Students were shown CSIRO's agroforestry research and its relevance to carbon sequestration and climate change; how to conduct food safety tests; identifying DNA markers; how to perform artificial insemination; the use of virtual fencing to control livestock movement; and measuring methane emissions from cattle.

They were also told of the potentially exciting career paths in agricultural science, with principal research scientist Dr Haja Kadarmideen detailing his own journey which has taken him from India, to Canada, Scotland and Switzerland to his latest post research genetic markers in female cattle in Rockhampton.

Mr Mulherin said job opportunities were plentiful in rural and city areas with many students offered jobs before they graduated.

At today's launch of Primary Industries Week, 600 students came to the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology to be inspired by presentations and displays from young and talented DPI&F scientists.